Pool Safety: Drowning Might Not Look Like Drowning

This month we covered the frightening story of two young boys from Brooklyn who almost drowned in a hotel swimming pool – despite the fact that 15 other boys were in the pool and despite the fact that multiple adults were supervising the children. How could this happen? According to water safety experts, not enough parents know that drowning does not look like it does in the movies.

When we think of someone drowning, we often picture someone crying out for help, flailing their arms, and splashing in the water. However, many summer safety experts will tell you that someone who is in trouble while in the water will rarely show any of those signs. It is far more likely that a drowning victim will not be able to cry out for help because they are trying to breathe – and it is far more likely that their arms will be lateral to their bodies as they try to keep their heads above water.

What should you watch for when in the pool, lake, or ocean? Swimming safety experts say you should look for:

• Someone who won’t reply when you ask if they are all right
• Someone whose head is bobbing in and out of the water
• Someone whose head is mostly in the water and tilted upward
• Someone who can’t seem to grab onto a ladder or rescue lifesaver
• Someone whose eyes are unfocused or glassy
• Someone whose hair is in their eyes or covering their face
• Someone who is struggling to roll over on their back

Usually, these signs of distress only last less than a minute before swimmers sink below the surface – keep your eyes open for distress at all times, and watch children and weak swimmers closely. Of course, if someone is yelling and struggling, they also need help, though they might be suffering from distress that comes before the next stage of drowning.