Gujarat Earthquake Post your messages here on the health board Drowning Death by drowning occurs when the victim struggles for breath. Water enters the airway and causes spasm of the epiglottis, a cartilage flap at the back of the tongue, which blocks the air supply.
Quick action can still save the victim's life.
As the victim gets more tired, the body tends to sink until it is vertical and only the head shows. The victim's strokes become erratic and the movement through the water appears jerky or simply stops. The victim's face particularly the lips and ears become congested and may turn bluish-purple. Treatment Act quickly. Remove seaweed and mud from the nose and throat.