Fear Of Water

So in hindsight, planning Dylan’s very first swimming lesson on the anniversary of him going into Respiratory arrest at Nippers was probably not my smartest idea!! My anxiety levels were already through the roof that week without anything making them worse...

Bryce’s football training was rained off so we all decided to go and watch Dylan’s first lesson, rather than Daddy just taking him, as we thought it’d be nice to go for lunch at the nearby wacky warehouse pub afterwards. Within a few minutes of being in the pool he slipped and went under for a few seconds! He was messing about showing off (as usual) and got too cocky with it. Prior to all this drama with Dylan that wouldn’t have phased me as it was literally only seconds but I now know that is all it takes. I spent the 24 hours after that a nervous wreck and I’m still feeling quite highly strung and emotional now as it tipped me over the edge.

When Dylan was on life support the second time there was a child come in to the ICU one night that we never saw, we knew it was serious as they were rushed straight into a private room. It was just as Dylan had started to turn a massive corner and recover but sadly this child did not.. I don’t know how old they were (I didn’t ask) but from conversations I estimate no younger than Dylan and no older than Bryce. I heard from family that they had slipped under the water in the bath for a matter of seconds, whilst mum ran to grab something, and then got water on their lungs. They didn’t drown instantly like most people would assume, they were on life support initially and passed away whilst in the ICU some time later.

Dry drowning can happen after a child leaves the water, usually fairly soon after though, and is related to water causing the airways to spasm. Delayed drowning or ‘secondary drowning’ however, can happen as much as 24 hours later from water sitting / building up in the lungs, causing inflammation and a drop in blood oxygen levels. There have been a few cases of children passing away in their sleep many hours later. Oxygen levels naturally drop in sleep slightly anyway, they then drop too low to sustain life due to the fluid build up. Whilst uncommon, I know it technically can happen and I can not shake that fear everytime Dylan goes near the water. Especially with his already damaged lungs.

The signs of secondary drowning are; 

• Coughing

• Chest pain

• Trouble breathing

• Feeling extremely tired

Your child may also have changes in behavior such as irritability or a drop in energy levels, which could mean the brain isn't getting enough oxygen.

Children of any age should never be unattended in water, even Bryce who is now 8 and a capable swimmer, has slipped under when messing about once. It is also important to teach water safety and correct breathing techniques around water (such as blowing bubbles for example). Teaching children to be confident swimmers from an early age also helps reduce the risk of them panicking and gasping for breath if they did go under. Most children will just accidently swallow water in the case of being submerged, it is usually the panic response that could cause them to try to take a breath under water. If you have any reason to believe your child has inhaled water seek medical advice straight away. In any instance of a child going underwater accidentally it is important you closely monitor them for 24 hours including during sleep as you would after a head injury for example. 

I have an irrational fear of water now, or should I say my children IN water but you needn’t.. Just be safe and know the signs. Back to swimming tomorrow.. let’s hope this time he doesn’t mess about and give mummy a heart attack!!!