Breaking Down the Six Different Types of Drowning Accidents

If you aren’t a trained lifeguard, you may not know how to identify a person in the water who is in distress. Drowning accidents happen every year in the United States and result in significant health complications and injures as well as death. While it may seem intuitive as to how a person reacts when they are experiencing trouble in the water, there are more than one type of drowning accident and the way the body responds isn’t always what you would think.

Arizona’s hot and dry climate make it an ideal location for pool ownership. While pools are a fun, healthy, and relaxing way to cool off and enjoy the outdoors, they are also very dangerous. Bodies of water, whether it be a pond, the ocean, or a pool come with the risk of drowning. Children in specific, are the highest risk group for drowning accidents which is why always monitoring your children when they are near water is absolutely critical.

If you or a loved one was injured or lost their lives in an Arizona drowning accident, contact the Arizona drowning accident attorneys at ELG to help you with your claim. Phoenix drowning accidents are tragic, and those that are affected by such awful events should seek effective legal representation so they can receive all of the benefits they are entitled to for their damages.

Are There Different Types of Drowning Accidents?

There are actually six different types of drowning accidents and the majority of people will produce little symptoms that are erratic, loud, or easily detectable. When a child is flustered in the water their little bodies put them at risk for very quickly succumbing to the situation. There are other instances of drowning that take place out of a body of water. The following are the different types of drowning perils that one can face:

1. Wet drowning occurs when a person is in the water and is struggling underneath the surface. They cannot hold their breath long enough underwater and eventually their body forces them to breathe, and when this happens, they take in water and it fills their lungs. Wet drownings are the most reported types of drowning accidents.
2. Dry drowning victims do not have their lungs full of water. Before the victim enters a body of water the body reflexively closes the throat, suffocating the individual. Dry drowning cases make up 15% of all reported drowning cases.
3. Silent drowning happens with little fanfare, a victim enters the water and experiences issues but does not exhibit any signs of distress and dies.
4. Active drowning is when a victim is trying to stay above the water and are exhibiting wild and noticeable actions indicating they need help.
5. Passive drowning happens when a victim loses consciousness and is unable to respond or fight for help.
6. Secondary drowning happens when a person is rescued from a drowning incident and while they think they are safe, they inhaled water during the accident that damages the lungs. This damage causes the body to secrete fluids which over hours slowly fills their lungs and causes asphyxiation.     

Speak with an Experienced Arizona Drowning Accident Attorney Today

Drowning can happen in a variety of ways and if you suffered injuries from your drowning accident due to negligence or if you lost a loved one in a drowning accident because of negligence, call the Phoenix serious injury attorneys at ELG. Schedule your free consultation by calling (623) 877-3600.