KUWAIT CITY, July 30: As families across Kuwait flock to swimming pools and beaches during the hot summer months, health and safety authorities are sounding the alarm over a lesser-known but potentially fatal risk to children — “dry drowning.” Medical experts warn that the condition, though rare, can occur after even minor water exposure, often without the immediate signs typically associated with drowning.

Dr. Ahmad Al-Shatti, Director of the Emergency Medical Services Department at the Ministry of Health, told Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) that dry drowning happens when a small amount of water enters the airway, triggering a spasm in the vocal cords (laryngospasm). This can block airflow, preventing oxygen from reaching the lungs, and may lead to serious respiratory complications or death if not treated promptly.

“Children under the age of five are particularly vulnerable due to their narrower airways and limited breath control,” Al-Shatti noted, adding that children with asthma or previous respiratory conditions face increased risk. Symptoms may include difficulty breathing, persistent coughing, pale or bluish skin, unexplained fatigue, or confusion — often surfacing minutes to hours after the child has left the water.

He stressed the importance of close monitoring in the hours following swimming or water play. "Even mild symptoms should not be ignored," he cautioned.

Echoing the concerns, Brigadier General Mohammad Al-Ghareeb, Director of Public Relations and Media at the General Fire Force, highlighted the subtle onset of dry drowning. “A child may swallow a small amount of water without showing immediate signs, but complications can emerge later,” he said. “Persistent coughing, shortness of breath, or unusual tiredness should never be taken lightly.”

Al-Ghareeb emphasized that prevention starts with awareness, urging parents and caregivers to supervise children closely, discourage them from swallowing water, and avoid swimming when tired or experiencing breathing difficulties.

He also called for well-equipped swimming facilities, including trained lifeguards and emergency response teams, to manage potential incidents. The General Fire Force has launched a “Safe Summer” campaign aimed at educating the public on all forms of drowning and encouraging swift response to emergencies. Citizens are urged to contact 112 immediately if drowning symptoms are suspected.

Officials reiterated that while traditional drowning is more commonly understood, dry drowning remains a “silent danger” that requires urgent attention — especially during the summer when water activities are at their peak.