Wet drowning occurs when a person inhales water into their lungs while submerged. This can happen in various bodies of water, such as pools, lakes, or oceans. The inhalation of water leads to a lack of oxygen, which can cause unconsciousness and, if not rescued quickly, can result in death.
In wet drowning, the body may struggle to expel the water, leading to a reflex that causes more water to enter the lungs. This condition is different from dry drowning, where the airway spasms and prevents water from entering the lungs. Both types of drowning are serious and require immediate medical attention.