5 Signs of Drowning Every Parent Should Know
5 Signs of Drowning Every Parent Should Know
Drowning is one of the leading causes of accidental death in children, and it often happens in a matter of seconds. While it's crucial to teach kids how to swim, it's equally important for parents to recognize the subtle signs of drowning. Unlike what you might see in movies, a person in distress in the water is often quiet and doesn't splash around. That’s why knowing the signs of drowning is essential for keeping your child safe in and around water. Here are five signs every parent should know:
1. Head Low in the Water, with Mouth at Water Level
When a person is struggling to stay afloat, their head may be tilted back, with their mouth just above the surface of the water. This position makes it hard for them to take in air and maintain control over their breathing. If you see a child’s head consistently positioned low in the water, with their mouth barely above the surface, it's a clear indication they may be drowning. This could be particularly concerning if the person isn’t able to lift their head out of the water to breathe.
2. Lack of Movement or Arm and Leg Action
Many parents mistakenly assume that when a person is drowning, they will be frantically splashing around. In reality, drowning victims often have very little ability to move their arms and legs. If someone is standing still in the water, making no attempts to swim or float, they may be in trouble. If you notice a child who is motionless in the water or struggling to move, this could be a sign they are in danger.
3. Gasping or Open Mouth
If you see a child with an open mouth or gasping for air, they may be in the early stages of drowning. Gasping occurs when the body is trying to inhale oxygen in the absence of air, and an open mouth is often a sign they are trying to breathe but are unable to. This is especially alarming if they are not actively swimming or trying to keep their head above the water.
4. Eyes Vacant or Glassy, with No Eye Contact
In the midst of a drowning event, a person may not be able to make eye contact. Their eyes may appear vacant, glassy, or unfocused, and their gaze may be distant. This happens because their body is concentrating on survival, leaving them unable to communicate or express distress through their eyes. If a child is in the water and doesn’t respond to you or seems distant, it's important to act quickly and check if they're in distress.
5. The Climbing the Ladder or “Climbing” Motion
One of the most subtle but critical signs of drowning is when a person is attempting to "climb" an invisible ladder. This occurs when their body is trying to stay afloat, and their arms move in an upward, repetitive motion as though they are trying to climb out of the water but cannot. This movement is very different from the usual swimming strokes and is a clear sign the person is struggling to breathe and stay above water.
What You Can Do to Prevent Drowning
While recognizing the signs of drowning is essential, prevention is always better. Enroll your child in survival swim lessons that focus on water safety and survival techniques, such as the survival float and swim-float-swim sequence. At Squiddles Swim School, we are dedicated to teaching children and adults these crucial life-saving skills, ensuring they feel confident and safe around water.
As parents, always stay vigilant when your child is in or near water. Whether it's at the pool, beach, or even a bathtub, being aware of the signs of drowning can make the difference between life and death.
Stay safe, stay informed, and ensure your family knows how to react in case of an emergency. Because water safety isn’t just about knowing how to swim—it’s about knowing how to survive.
Want to ensure your child is safe in the water? Contact us today to learn more about our Infant & Survival Swim Lessons and give your little one the skills they need to stay safe!"
