Safe for the Summer:”Dry-Drowning”

A 4-year-old boy named Frankie from Texas, lost his life after swimming over Memorial Day weekend from a rare condition called, “Dry-Drowning”. His parents told a Houston-area news station that he had started to complain about stomach issues and having trouble breathing after swimming over the weekend.After taking him to the hospital, doctors found fluid in Frankie’s lungs and around his heart and concluded that he had died from “dry drowning.” Dry drowning happens after a person inhales water. Mike Erfert from Yuma Fire Department, tells us there’s been a few near drowning experiences last year in our area.

“When ever you have a near drowning event, that child should receive medical attention. It’s a potential and very dangerous matter. Dry drowning is where the child is exposed to a water incident. It can cause a spasm up in the throat to 48 hours where there can be affects that come from it. Secondary Drowning is when another drowning happens where the water has gotten into the lungs and if not treated it can be very serious, if not fatal.”

Symptoms can include trouble breathing, coughing, sleepiness, fatigue and vomiting.

It can happen hours or even days after swimming or bathing.

The family has shared the Frankie’s story as they warn other parents and raise awareness about the rare condition, according to KHOU.