Drowning is a common and preventable accident. It is the 3rd cause of death from unintentional injuries, causing around 236 thousand deaths annually worldwide; It may not be fatal, but it often leaves definitive injuries (neurological, cardiovascular and others) in people who survive. In Portugal: Between 2002-2021, there were 286 deaths and 629 hospitalizations due to drowning in children and young people. Although drowning was most common among those aged 1-4, the highest number of deaths occurred in the 15-19 age group. Between 2012-2021, INEM helped 735 cases of drowning and diving accidents.<p Among the cases of drowning of children and young people published in the press in 2005-2022, around 60% were men and swimming pools were the places with the highest number of accidents of this type. In younger children, accidents are more common in swimming pools, in young people they mostly occur in natural areas. By the end of May 2024, there have already been 43 drowning deaths in our country, including all age groups, more than those that occur in the same period in the last 7 years. Drowning is a quick and silent accident. Water in the lungs leads to respiratory and cardiac arrest. Someone who feels distressed in the water instinctively tries to keep their head out of the water to breathe, struggling to stay afloat . It will be difficult to shout and ask for help. Being safely in the water is essential… Being comfortable and feeling safe in the water means being able to maintain balance, knowing the movements of arms and legs that allow to move through the water, knowing how to rest in a safe position (floating on your back) and, of course, knowing how to swim . All of this reduces the risk of drowning. Anyone who does not know how to swim, or does not swim well, whether a child or an adult, should not enter the water without being equipped with materials that promote buoyancy: lifejacket, swimming armbands, among others, depending on age. Attention: Even when children know how to swim, this does not replace permanent monitoring when they are in the water or have access to it, by a responsible and attentive adult , whether on the beach, in a swimming pool, in the bathtub at home, near a tank or a bowl of water, or any other location. People who are taking medication or have health problems (e.g. epilepsy, autism, mental illness) that may increase the risk of a fall or accident should always be accompanied when they are near water, whether they know how to swim or not. At any age, to practice a water sport safely, knowing how to swim is a prerequisite. Whether knowing how to swim or not, wearing a suitable lifejacket is essential when the risk of accidentally falling into the water increases , for example while boating. …but there are other prevention measures that everyone needs to know and implement In homes where there are children: Build a fence surrounding the pool , which cannot be opened by children and of an appropriate height, so that they cannot jump. Do not leave toys or any objects that attract children's attention near the pool. Prefer beaches with surveillance , respect the instructions of lifeguards and flag signs, when available. Avoid swimming or practicing aquatic activities alone in unsupervised and/or isolated areas. Pay attention and adapt your behavior to the specific characteristics and dangers of water areas (ocean, rivers, lagoons, reservoirs, water parks, among others), including: Sudden depth variations; Waves, currents, waterfalls; Areas of reduced visibility; Obstacles not visible in the water, e.g. rocks, vegetation; Tide times and heights; Environmental conditions, mainly wind forecast. Do not dive, especially with head first, in places of reduced or unknown depth , or where unseen obstacles may exist. Avoid tiredness in the water : Do not swim away from the shore; Do not swim against the current; Whenever necessary, rest in a safe position (floating on your back). Do not hold your breath swimming underwater for a long time , nor hyperventilate before swimming underwater. Do not drink alcohol or consume illicit substances before or while in the water , boat trips or other water activities, as even in small quantities they interfere with balance and coordination of movements. Do not eat heavy meals during beach or water activities days. Avoid sudden temperature variations : Avoid prolonged exposure to the sun before entering the water; Do not enter the water suddenly. Limit access to water reservoirs , for example irrigation tanks, wells, among others. Author: Pedro Ferreira Source: Associação para Promoção da Segurança Infantil. Afogamentos de Crianças e Jovens em Portugal 2002-2021. Atualização 2023. SNS 24. Prevenir afogamento. 2023 Meet the Internal Medicine clinical team at the Hospital da Luz network. The content published in the Health Guide is intended for the general public and is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It does not replace individual medical assessment, diagnosis, or personalized clinical advice from a qualified healthcare professional. The content is produced or reviewed by physicians and other healthcare professionals at Hospital da Luz and is based on the knowledge available at the time of publication or the most recent update, as indicated at the beginning of each item.
