Guide Note

Ten-year-old Johnny Jackson drowned in his own bed, hours after a swim in the neighborhood pool. His death brings attention to dry drowning, a condition that is responsible for 15% of all drownings.

Fast Facts

1. Residence: Goose Creek, South Carolina
2. Inhaled water while swimming
3. Afterwards complained of being tired and took a nap
4. Foaming at the mouth and unresponsive one hour later
5. Died on June 1, 2008
6. Symptoms include trouble breathing, excessive tiredness and unusual behavior

Jackson went for a swim in his neighborhood pool. During the swim he swallowed some pool water. After leaving the pool and going home he became extremely tired and went to lay down for a nap.

An hour later his mother was calling 911 because his lips were blue and he was not breathing. He was taken to the hospital where he died of asphyxiation from drowning.

Dry drowning is responsible for 15-20% of all drowning victims. It can occur with fresh water, salt water, pool water and even bath water.

Once the water is taken into the lungs, it damages the lungs so they are unable to process oxygen. In extreme case this can lead to asphyxiation as much as 24 hours after the water was ingested.

Disclaimer

The content in this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Dry drowning is a medical emergency. If you or someone you know thinks they are experiencing dry drowning, call 911 immediately.