What is Near-Drowning?

Arizona leads the country as a state with a high number of residential pools. When it gets dreadfully hot, cooling off by taking a dip is a good way to enjoy time outside. Because there are so many residential pools throughout the state, the risk for drownings is high. Children tend to be the most vulnerable to drowning accidents, however, anyone could be a victim of an Arizona drowning accident.

Sometimes drowning leads to death, while other times it can lead to serious injuries and harm. Near-drowning is when a person suffocates underwater but is rescued just before they lose their life. After a near-drowning incident, a victim isn’t out of the woods because they are out of the water. Medical attention is still necessary to stop further damage from proceeding.

How Does Near-Drowning Happen?

If you find yourself stuck underwater for an extended period of time, you will be going without oxygen while you are submerged. When your oxygen supply becomes depleted, your body will respond by shutting down. The tiny bodies of children make this situation quite serious and in as little as seconds, a child can begin to fade when they are underwater for too long. Adults can also be in serious danger when they are submerged too long, but typically the process takes a bit longer than it does in children.

There are some factors that can lead to an individual struggling in the water including:

• Not knowing how to swim
• Panic or hysteria in the water
• Young children who can’t swim getting into or falling into the water
• Standing on thin ice and falling through
• Being inebriated on alcohol or drugs while in the water
• Having a medical episode while in the water like a heart attack
• Intentionally trying to drown via suicide

It doesn’t take a lot of water for a person to have an accident and drown or near-drown. Bodies of water can be fun for boating or swimming, but the dangers are always present and when you are in or near a body of water exercising caution is important. When children are near water, it is even more critical that they are not left alone and that they are being carefully watched. 

When a near-drowning accident happens a person can exhibit the following symptoms:

• Skin that looks bluish
• Swelling in the stomach area
• Chest pain
• Coughing 
• Inability to breathe
• Vomiting

Finding an Arizona Drowning Accident Attorney

All pool owners have a responsibility to those that are swimming. If there is negligence on behalf of a pool owner and injuries or death result, victims have a legal right to obtain compensation. After a drowning accident, medical attention must be administered immediately to ensure the preservation of life as well as to mitigate any further harm. The Arizona drowning accident lawyers at ELG understand the legal ramifications of drowning accidents as well as the impact these incidents can have on victims and families.

The bilingual, Spanish-speaking Phoenix personal injury attorneys at ELG are here to help you obtain the fair settlement that you deserve after a tragic accident. Call our team of Phoenix drowning accident attorneys today at (623) 877-3600 to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation.