Conscious or Unconscious While Drowning

A person can either be conscious or unconscious while drowning. When water enters the airway, it starts to enter the victim's lungs (whether he or she is conscious or unconscious).

During the initial stages of drowning, the larynx will start to seal up to prevent more water from entering the lungs. Water can then start to enter the stomach, instead of the lungs. Many drowning victims do not have water in their lungs due to the reflex of the larynx.

The net result is that air is not entering the lungs and carbon dioxide is not being exhaled.

To learn more about Water Safety & Drowning Hazards visit our Water Safety & Drowning Hazards Online Training web page.