“Secondary Drowning” – Real ir Myth?

Amanda Hewson Beaver

Published on: 11/10/2025

“Secondary Drowning” – Real ir Myth? You’ve just rescued someone from the water — a crewmate, a child, a guest. They’re coughing and shaken, but walking, talking, maybe even smiling again. Everyone breathes a sigh of relief. But a few hours later, they’re short of breath… struggling to talk… maybe even collapsing. You panic. Someone whispers, “Is this secondary drowning?” So, is “Secondary Drowning” a Thing? This is one if the most common questions I get teaching Medicine to Yachties…