The idea that a drowning person splashes and calls for help is mostly a myth. How do you spot someone in trouble? What are their chances of surviving once you do? And how well should a child be able to swim?
The idea that a drowning person splashes and calls for help is mostly a myth. How do you spot someone in trouble? What are their chances of surviving once you do? And how well should a child be able to swim?
How does drowning happen – and to whom?
It took more than four minutes for anyone to notice the five-year-old boy who appeared to have drowned in a small pool within touching distance of families and other children. When drowning experts reviewed a video showing the boy floating face down for several minutes, they were shocked. It was nearly impossible to watch, even for people whose work is saving people from drowning. But the unconscious boy was resuscitated and survived. Unlike many non-fatal drownings, he suffered no lifelong injuries. About 320,000 people die from drowning every year, according to the World Health Organisation.
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It took more than four minutes for anyone to notice the five-year-old boy who appeared to have drowned in a small pool within touching distance of families and other children.
When drowning experts reviewed a video showing the boy floating face down for several minutes, they were shocked. It was nearly impossible to watch, even for people whose work is saving people from drowning. But the unconscious boy was resuscitated and survived. Unlike many non-fatal drownings, he suffered no lifelong injuries.
About 320,000 people die from drowning every year, including an average of 283 in Australia, according to the World Health Organisation.