Menu Healthy Lifestyle Diseases & Conditions First Aid Symptoms Tests & Procedures Videos Definitions FAQs DrowningUpdated: 2017-06-13OverviewDrowning accidents can be prevented with precautions such as life jacket use and child supervision around water. Children can submerge in less than one minute. SymptomsSomeone who is drowning and struggling to breathe is usually unable to call for help. The skin may appear blue from lack of oxygen in the blood. TreatmentsCPR is necessary for near drowning, as complications can cause later death. © 1998-2022 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research(MFMER). All rights reserved. Terms of Use