Why do people drown in water? Causes and symptoms

Drowning is a condition that can be fatal because the person’s airways are filled with water. For this reason, it is vital to take important precautions regarding water safety.

What is drowning and how does it occur?

Drowning is a fatal condition when people’s airways become filled with water. Drowning causes thousands of deaths worldwide each year. Ensuring safety on the water is therefore of vital importance.

The mechanism of formation of water drowning is quite simple. When water enters the human body, it replaces the oxygen in our lungs, which are filled with air. In this case, it becomes impossible for our brain and other organs to maintain their normal functions due to lack of oxygen.

Most cases of drowning occur when water is suddenly and unexpectedly intruded. For example, jumping off a high cliff or falling into water during a wave can cause people’s airways to suddenly fill with water. Swimming in water without knowing how to swim or in an unsuitable place for sea conditions can also cause drowning.

Getting proper swimming training, using the right swimsuit, warming up properly before swimming in the water, and being mindful can be effective. Also, it is vital to react correctly when a person gets into the water to survive drowning cases.

What are the symptoms of drowning in water?

Drowning is a sudden and fatal condition. Therefore, it is essential to know the signs of drowning. Drowning symptoms can vary depending on how someone enters the water, the temperature of the water, and how long they’ve been underwater.

The first sign of drowning is difficulty breathing. When water enters your lungs, it is impossible to breathe because it is filled with water instead of air. Other symptoms may also include panic and increased heart rate when the person is submerged in water.

Signs of drowning can also include a pale face, blue lips, and skin discoloration. These symptoms are caused by the body’s inability to maintain its normal functions due to a lack of oxygen.

Some drowning symptoms may appear as soon as a person enters the water, while others may appear some time after immersion. The longer the person is underwater, the more severe the symptoms can be. Therefore, being aware of the signs of drowning can help to react quickly by notifying rescuers.

What are the ways to avoid drowning in water?

Drowning is a serious danger with fatal consequences. However, it is possible to avoid drowning by taking some simple precautions. Here are ways to avoid drowning:

learn to swim

Swimming is one of the most basic ways to avoid drowning. Learning to swim will help you feel safe entering the water and help you use the proper techniques to navigate the water.

Check the air temperature before entering the water

The temperature of the water affects how long you stay in the water. Going into cold water can make you have trouble breathing and put you more at risk for cramping. Therefore, check the temperature of the water before entering the water.

Follow water safety rules

Rules for water safety have been established at swimming pools and beaches. By following these rules, you can increase the safety of water. For example, do not swim alone in the pool or stay in a separate area to sunbathe.

Use water safety equipment

Water safety equipment such as life jackets, snorkels, and diving masks can help protect you from drowning. Using this equipment will make you feel safer in the water.

Don’t overlook the kids

Children are more vulnerable in the water and must be constantly supervised. Do not leave children alone in the water and watch them play in the water.

Avoid alcohol

Alcohol can increase the risk of drowning. Drinking alcohol reduces your ability to enter the water and decreases your concentration in the water. Therefore, avoid alcohol before entering the water.

Importance of safety in the water and precautions to be taken

Safety in the water is especially important when spending time on the beach and in the pools during the summer. Compliance with the rules of water safety and taking the necessary precautions ensure that water activities are enjoyable and safe. Here are the importance of water safety and the precautions to take:

The importance of water safety

Drowning is a deadly condition and causes many deaths each year. Following the rules of water safety, increasing time in the water, knowing swimming techniques and using water safety equipment are the basic measures for water safety.

Comply with water safety regulations

Water safety rules are often posted at swimming pools and beaches. By following these rules you will increase your safety in the water. For example, do not swim alone in the pool, do not dive outside the designated areas and do not run in the water.

Know swimming techniques

Swimming is important for safety in the water. Knowing swimming techniques will help you use the proper techniques to navigate the water and increase water safety.

Using water safety equipment

Water safety equipment such as life jackets, snorkels and diving masks increase your safety in the water. Using this equipment will make you feel safer in the water and help you get help quickly in case of potential danger.

Guiding children

Children are more vulnerable in the water and must be constantly supervised. Children must wear a life jacket when entering the water, must not enter the water alone and must be kept under constant supervision.

Why do people dive into the water?

Humans begin to sink in water because water is less dense than air. This makes the movements people make in the air when they are in the water more difficult underwater. Therefore, people try to swim to stay on the surface in the water or dive to breathe underwater. But people who cannot swim or dive adequately can drown in the water.

How deadly is drowning in water?

Drowning in water can be fatal because people suffocate in the water. When water enters people’s mouths and noses, the airway closes and it becomes difficult to breathe. In addition, the cold and density of water can also affect bodily functions and have negative consequences such as muscle cramps, increased or weakened heart rate.

What kind of signs are there for drowning?

Before drowning, many people panic when they enter the water and have trouble breathing. Symptoms of suffocation may include mouth or nose breathing, difficulty sinking or rising to the surface, difficulty breathing, muscle spasms, and a speeding or slowing heart rate.

How can I prevent drowning?

To avoid drowning, first improve your swimming and diving skills. Also think carefully about the water depth, currents and other possible hazards before entering the water. Follow safety precautions at pools and beaches, wear a life jacket or other swimming equipment, and always stay in the water with a friend.