As community pools start to open across Western New York for the summer season, water safety is on the mind.
Parents, experts say, your kids could not only be at risk of drowning in the water - they could also be at risk of drowning after drying off.
Although less common, dry drowning and secondary drowning are two potentially life-threatening conditions that could affect your child due to too much water intake.
In dry drowning, someone takes in a small amount of water in through the nose or mouth which can cause their airway to close up. Symtoms like, troubled breathing, a persistant cough and drowsiness could arise soon after getting out of the water.
In secondary drowning, water gets into the lungs and can cause inflammation and swelling that makes it difficult for the body to transfer oxygen. Symtoms can be delayed for up to 24 hours.
Darcee Hughes, Aquatics & Wellness Director at the Lockport YMCA says, being aware of warning signs and knowing what to look for can help save your child's life, and others.
"Anytime they have a persistent cough or trouble breathing, labored breathing, shallow breathing...if you see them struggling to breathe you would want to get medical attention," Hughes said.
The YMCA reports, 88% of kids who drown do so under adult supervision.
Keeping your eyes on your kids even after they get out of the water for a period of time is a great rule of thumb when it comes saving their lives.
