Water Safety Experts Warn of Drowning Risks in Pools and Beaches

SwimRight Academy, founded by Olympic gold‑medalist Lenny Krayzelburg, explains that terms such as “dry drowning” and “secondary drowning” are not medical diagnoses. They refer to respiratory complications that can develop after a child inhales water, with symptoms like persistent coughing, fatigue, rapid breathing, chest discomfort, irritability or confusion appearing within a few hours. Prompt medical evaluation is advised when these signs emerge, especially after pool lessons or ocean swims in areas such as Los Angeles.

Lifeguards on the New Jersey coast stress that rip currents account for more than 80 % of ocean rescues in the United States and cause roughly 100 fatal drownings annually. Capt. Ed Schneider and Chief Matt Wolf advise beachgoers to stay out of the water when no lifeguards are present, to heed warning flags, and if caught in a rip current, to remain calm and swim perpendicular to the shore. They note that lifeguard vigilance prevents many drownings and that only Coast Guard‑approved life jackets are reliable flotation devices.

Both experts emphasize that recognizing early warning signs and following trained lifeguard guidance are essential to prevent delayed or secondary drowning incidents in both pool and open‑water settings.