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Santa Clarita Doctor Warns Residents About Out Of Water Drowning

With water activities rising in the Santa Clarita due to the warmer temperatures, doctors are urging parents to be aware of drowning symptoms and the different forms of drowning, including on dry land.


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Most people think that children are safe once they get out of the pool, and don’t have a risk of drowning. However, that is not always the case.

Although rare, someone can drown several hours after exiting the water, in what is known as a secondary or delayed drowning.

“Delayed drowning is when someone may inhale a small amount of water into their lungs but not be affected by it right away,” said Dr. Bud Lawrence, director of the emergency department at Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital.

Related: SCV Deputies, Fire Rescue Unresponsive Baby Found In Pool

After water gets inside a pair of lungs, it could attract other bodily fluids to collect in the lungs, causing someone to drown, he said. Delayed drowning could occur within a few minutes of inhaling water or up to 24 hours.

“Symptoms for delayed drowning may include shortness in breath, coughing, difficulty breathing and (a) child not looking well,” Lawrence said “If parents notice anything concerning about their child’s respiratory system after swimming, they should call their pediatrician.”

While secondary drowning is rare, Lawrence said, it is still important for parents to know the signs.

The second most common risk in the water is “dry drowning.”

“True dry drowning is when someone is submerged in water and their vocal cords spasm and block off their airway,” Lawrence said. “It is very similar to when you drink water and swallow it down the wrong pipe.”

When this form of drowning occurs, no water can get into the lungs because they are closed off – the body’s natural safety measure against drowning in water. The reaction can cause a swimmer to panic, depleting the oxygen still left in their lungs and preventing them from surfacing for more.

“Wet” drowning is the danger most people associate with water, where water enters the lungs, suffocating the victim.

“Wet drowning is where someone is submerged in water and inhales water into their lungs, causing them to be unable to breathe,” Lawrence said.

He said parents with small children should keep an eye on them anytime they are around water, and be aware of each form of drowning.

If you believe somebody is drowning, call 9-1-1 immediately.

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Santa Clarita Doctor Warns Residents About Out Of Water Drowning

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About Louie Diaz

Louie was born and raised in Santa Clarita. At the age of two Louie lost his vision due to a brain tumor. However, Louie doesn't let blindness stop him from doing what ever it is he wants to accomplish. Growing up some of his favorite hobbies were wood working, fishing and riding bikes. Louie graduated from College of the Canyon in December of 2017, with a Broadcast Journalism degree. Growing up Louie has always wanted to be a fire fighter or a police officer, but because of his blindness Louie knew that wouldn't work. Louie has always loved listening to police and fire radio traffic, using a scanner, and he figured if he was going to listen to the scanner so much, he should do something with it.