Drowning vs. Near-Drowning

Defining the terms

“Drowning” is the process of experiencing respiratory impairment from submersion in water; it can be fatal or non-fatal. “Near-drowning” is an older, informal term for surviving a drowning incident. Medical professionals now describe outcomes as fatal or non-fatal drowning.

Why survivors still need care

Surviving the water does not mean surviving unharmed. Oxygen deprivation can cause lasting brain injury, and delayed lung complications can develop hours later. Always seek medical care after any drowning incident.

The legal significance

Both fatal and non-fatal drownings can give rise to claims when negligence is involved. Non-fatal cases often require accounting for a lifetime of care.