By Sarah Lazarus

Sarah.lazarus@pemaweb.com

Every summer, there are many articles and news reports of drownings. Some of these reports use terms that are outdated, such as delayed drowning, “dry” drowning, and near-drowning. The World Health Organization (WHO) defines drowning as the process of experiencing respiratory impairment from submersion/immersion in liquid.

  Any submersion or immersion incident without evidence of respiratory impairment should be considered a water rescue and not a drowning. Drowning remains a large cause of morbidity and mortality in children. Drowning is the leading cause in ages 1-4.  At least 10 people die from drowning daily.