Dry Drowning: Fact or Myth?
“Dry drowning” is one of those scary phrases that goes viral every summer — and understandably so. The idea that your child could have a delayed reaction to swimming is every parent’s worst nightmare.
But here's the truth: while any water-related incident deserves attention, true “dry drowning” is incredibly rare — and often misunderstood. Let’s break it down.
What Is “Dry Drowning,” Anyway?
The term dry drowning isn’t one doctors officially use — but it usually refers to symptoms that show up after a child leaves the water. These symptoms might be caused by:
A small amount of water inhaled into the lungs
Irritation of the airway, leading to inflammation
This results in aspiration pneumonia or aspiration pneumonitis which causes the visible symptoms
The Risk Is Very Low
The scary stories you see online are extremely rare — and most children who accidentally swallow water while swimming are completely fine.
A child cannot drown from water in their stomach. Swallowing water might cause vomiting, but it doesn’t lead to “dry drowning”.
When to Worry After Swimming
Call your pediatrician (or go to the ER) if your child has been swimming and shows any of the following signs afterward:
Persistent coughing that doesn’t improve
Rapid or labored breathing
Extreme fatigue or difficulty staying awake
Vomiting after swimming (especially combined with other symptoms)
Acting confused or “off” in a way that worries you
These symptoms usually appear within a few hours, not days later.
What’s Normal After Swimming?
It’s common for kids to:
Cough a bit after getting water in their nose or throat
Be tired after swimming (especially in the sun!)
Swallow pool water and feel briefly gassy or nauseated
None of these things automatically mean “dry drowning”.
Dr. Alex’s Take
Let’s replace panic with preparation.
Supervise your child in and around water.
Enroll them in swim lessons early.
Watch for any sudden changes in breathing or behavior after swimming.
Trust your gut — if something doesn’t feel right, reach out.
But know this: dry drowning is not something you need to fear every time your child plays in the pool.
A Pediatrician That’s Just a Call or Text Away
At Curitas Pediatrics, our families have direct access to Dr. Alex for peace of mind — no waiting rooms, no guessing games. Whether it’s a summer illness or a scary moment after the pool, you’ll have a trusted pediatrician just a text away.
Follow us on Instagram @CuritasPediatrics and check out the Ask Dr. Alex series!
