Drowning is defined as an impairment to breathing resulting from immersion in a liquid.

Drowning can be fatal and non-fatal. Those who survive a drowning incident may continue to experience some lifelong health issues. In some cases, these may lead to premature death.

It is important to understand the process of drowning and what can be done to prevent it.

In children, drowning may appear simply as playing as they paddle and splash. It is now well known that, in the early stages of drowning, both children and adults do not tend to call for help, and drowning is often silent. And it can happen quickly.

On average, an adult drowning victim can only support themselves on top of the water for about 20 to 60 seconds; this time is even shorter for children.

Learn more and test your knowledge on first aid for drowning