"Dry drowning" silent danger needs immediate attention to protect kids

By Hammad Al-Mutairi KUWAIT, July 30 (KUNA) -- As summer temperatures soar and families head to pools and water activities, growing concern surrounds a rare but potentially fatal condition called "dry drowning", a silent threat that can affect children without the usual signs of drowning.
Children under five are most at risk due to narrow airways and weak breath control, especially those with asthma or past respiratory issues.
Speaking to KUNA, Director of the Emergency Medical Services Department at the Ministry of Health Dr. Ahmad Al-Shatti said that dry drowning is a rare condition where a small amount of water enters the airway, causing vocal cord spasms that block airflow and can lead to serious breathing problems or death if not treated quickly.
He warned that symptoms like trouble breathing, persistent cough, pale or blue skin, fatigue, or confusion after swimming may signal dry or secondary drowning and require urgent medical attention.
Dr. Al-Shatti noted that dry drowning symptoms could appear minutes to hours after leaving the water due to airway spasms, stressing the need to watch for any unusual signs, even if they seem mild at first.
Close monitoring of children after swimming or water play is crucial, especially in the hours that follow, to prevent the serious risks of dry or secondary drowning, he added.
For his part, Director of Public Relations and Media at the General Fire Force, Brigadier Mohammad Al-Ghareeb said dry drowning is rare but serious, and can happen without immediate symptoms-often after a child swallows a small amount of water while swimming.
He warned that leftover water in the airway could cause serious issues later, urging parents and pool staff to watch for signs like constant coughing, breathing trouble, or unusual tiredness.
"Prevention begins with awareness and continuous supervision," he said, urging safe swimming habits, avoiding water swallowing, and not swimming when tired or having breathing issues.
He stressed the need for trained rescue teams and emergency equipment at swimming sites. He highlighted the General Fire Force's "Safe Summer" campaign to raise drowning awareness and urged the public to call 112 immediately in emergencies. (end) hmd.sam