“Is it true that drowning could be pleasurable? It seems not. Drowning is in fact a terrifying and life-threatening experience,” writes Whimsy columnist CLIVE WILLIAMS.

“If tombstones told the truth, everybody would wish to be buried at sea.” –John W Raper (Australian professional rugby league footballer and coach)

It’s a sad record for Australia that we seem to lead developed countries in the number of annual drownings per capita. 

It’s said that drowning can be a pleasurable experience and that swimming out to sea, eventually to drown, is a good way to end one’s life – but is it true that drowning could be pleasurable?

It seems not. Drowning is in fact a terrifying and life-threatening experience. It occurs when the respiratory system is overwhelmed by water or another liquid, preventing adequate oxygen intake. 

Let’s delve into what happens physiologically, whether drowning can ever be “pleasurable”, and the risks of delayed death even after being revived.

Drowning progresses through several stages:

• Initially, when a person is submerged and cannot breathe, the instinct is to hold one’s breath and try to escape the situation. The body triggers a “fight-or-flight” response, leading to rapid movements, increased heart rate and heightened adrenaline.
• Once the oxygen in the lungs is depleted, the urge to breathe becomes overwhelming. The person may inadvertently gasp, inhaling water. This water enters the airway and causes a reflex called a laryngospasm, where the vocal cords close tightly, temporarily blocking water from entering the lungs. However, this also prevents air from reaching them, exacerbating oxygen deprivation.
• If the lack of oxygen continues, the brain begins to shut down, leading to unconsciousness. At this stage, the laryngospasm may relax, allowing water to fill the lungs. The brain and other organs suffer from severe hypoxia (oxygen deprivation).
• Prolonged oxygen deprivation leads to the cessation of heart activity. Without intervention, death becomes inevitable.

There is a misconception that drowning might be a “peaceful” or “pleasurable” experience because of descriptions from survivors of near-drowning or accounts of a euphoric sensation during hypoxia. However, these feelings are rare and do not reflect the typical experience.

Initially, drowning is marked by intense fear, panic, and suffering as the body fights for air. The sensation of water filling the lungs is painful, and the struggle to survive is instinctive.

Euphoria or peace, if it occurs, is more likely associated with the brain’s protective response to extreme stress and oxygen deprivation. As consciousness fades, some individuals might experience dissociative sensations or hallucinations, but this does not negate the extreme distress earlier in the process.

Delayed death is a known risk after resuscitation from drowning. This is referred to as “secondary drowning” or “post-immersion syndrome.” Here’s why: Water entering the lungs can cause damage to the delicate tissue, leading to inflammation and fluid accumulation. Even if the individual appears fine initially, fluid buildup can worsen over hours, impairing oxygen exchange.

Inhaled water, especially from natural bodies such as lakes or oceans, may carry bacteria, fungi or chemicals, increasing the risk of lung infections such as pneumonia.

Oxygen deprivation during drowning can cause lasting damage to the brain. Even with revival, the individual may suffer seizures, coma or other neurological complications.

CPR or artificial ventilation used to revive the person can sometimes cause injuries such as broken ribs or pneumothorax (collapsed lung), adding to post-rescue complications.

Because of these risks, medical evaluation is crucial for anyone who has been revived from drowning, even if they seem well. Observation in a hospital for 24 to 48 hours is recommended.

Key measures to avoid drowning include:

• Learning to swim: swimming lessons can prevent panic in water.

• Supervising vigilantly: children, in particular, should be closely monitored around water.

• Knowing CPR: immediate action can make the difference between life and death for drowning victims.

• Understanding the ocean: know the power of waves and undertows and how rips work; minimise the risk by only swimming between the flags; don’t swim at unpatrolled beaches.

• Using safety equipment where appropriate: life jackets and other flotation devices.

• Risk management: avoid high-risk areas such as tidal rock shelves and rivers.

On a lighter note 

Fred said to a friend: “I’ve really had it with my dog Rex; he’ll chase anyone on a bike.” 

“So, what are you going to do about it – keep him locked up, or hand him in to the dog pound? 

“Nothing so drastic,” said Fred, “I’m just going to confiscate his bike.”

Clive Williams is a Canberra columnist.

If anything in this column has caused personal distress, a call to Lifeline (131114) might be helpful.