In cases of drowning in fresh or salt water, the person holds his breath, spasms in the larynx muscles, oxygen demand increases, and swallows liquid while trying to breathe. In freshwater drownings, the surfactant released at this stage first causes lung cells (alveoli) shrinkage, and then pulmonary edema with the disintegration of the cell membrane.

As a result of sinking or diving in the aquatic environment, air or liquid blocks the airways and prevents breathing. It can be life-threatening and requires immediate intervention.

It is estimated that around 2 million people drowning every year around the world and 150 thousand people die due to drowning. The majority of deaths are children and young people under the age of five.

In cases of drowning in fresh or salt water, the person holds his breath, spasms in the larynx muscles, oxygen demand increases, and swallows liquid while trying to breathe. In freshwater drownings, the surfactant released at this stage first causes lung cells (alveoli) shrinkage, and then pulmonary edema with the disintegration of the cell membrane.



In drowning in salty water, protein-rich fluid enters the lung cell (alveoli) and pulmonary edema occurs.

If suffocation is not intervened in time, first breathing and then circulation stops. Multiple organ failures develop over time due to circulatory arrest. Foreign materials such as mud and algae can be swallowed along with the liquid. Aspiration pneumonia may develop over time in patients who recover after the intervention.

Spinal injuries can also be seen during drowning and jumping into the water. For this reason, this risk should be taken into account when intervening with the patient, and it should not be moved too much.

First aid for drowning 

  • In drowning, the amount of liquid swallowed may not be much due to laryngeal spasm. For this reason, respiratory and circulation support should be provided at the first opportunity, even 20-30 minutes after the drowning event.
  • When responding to a drowning event, risks should be taken into account, such as the drowning person may act unconsciously, pull you into the water, hit you, hug you, or give unexpected reactions. The priority in the intervention is to take the necessary security measures.
  • It can be risky to swim close to the drowning person while in the water. Objects such as lifebuoy, rope, wood can be extended/thrown and asked to hold on to it.
  • The best way to approach the drowning person is to approach from behind. The person is held from behind and is placed in a supine position on the water. The mouth and nose are removed from the water.
  • The first thing to do while in the water is to get the person out of the water. In the supine position head-up on the water, he is quickly taken into the shallow part of the water without too much pulling or pushing in case of spinal damage.
  • First, the vital signs of the patient are evaluated. If necessary, basic life support is started. Basic life support can be started while in the water if there is a possibility and the person giving first aid is trained on this subject. Respiration and circulation are tried to be provided with heart massage and artificial respiration.
  • The Heimlich maneuver is not recommended. It delays heart massage and artificial respiration during first aid and increases the risk of aspiration.
  • Urgent medical attention is requested.

Precautions to be taken to reduce the risk of suffocation 

Do not swim in the waters below 

  • Streams,
  • Irrigation channels,
  • Dams,
  • Lakes,
  • Ponds,
  • Swimming in a choppy sea is dangerous.

In dams, lakes and ponds, the ground is swampy, pulling you to the bottom.



Streams and irrigation channels have a high water flow rate.

Considerations when swimming 

  • Do not panic while swimming, you will lose control, your risk of drowning increases.
  • Do not swim in areas with boats, ships, speedboats, the resulting wave will cause you to drown.
  • Wear a life jacket when using a boat, speedboat, etc., you risk falling.
  • If you do not know how to swim, do not swim in deep and turbid waters, prefer shallower waters below your chest.
  • If you do not know how to swim, do not enter the waters alone.
  • For swimming, choose the waters declared as swimming areas by the relevant and authorized institutions of your region.
  • Do not push anyone into the water unknowingly, even as a joke.
  • Avoid dangerous moves and pranks and shows of courage in the water.
  • Do not go into the water when your stomach is full or when you are hungry so that you can become debilitated.
  • Wear suitable clothing when swimming, water-repellent clothing can cause you to suffocate.
  • Jumping suddenly into cold water can cause muscle cramps.
  • If you feel the slightest discomfort while swimming, get out of the water.
  • If you get caught in the current while swimming, don’t panic, don’t try to swim against the current, turn your face towards the beach and let yourself go, it will take you to the beach.
  • On some coasts, where the ground is sand and the waves are intense, the sand slide causes the depth of the bottom to be variable. Follow the warnings found on the beach in such swimming areas.
  • Jumping or diving into the sea in swimming areas with a rocky bottom and unknown depth can cause serious injuries. In order to prevent such accidents, do not jump into the sea in swimming areas of unknown depth and rocky ground, and follow the warnings and rules indicated on the warning signs placed on the beaches.
  • Do not enter the water for swimming while intoxicated.
  • Make sure that there are lifeguards in the area where you enter the water to swim.
  • Do not let children swim alone.
  • If you do not have first aid knowledge, do not enter the water and try to intervene, you may harm the drowning person.