Most people who die by drowning are children. Drowning is a form of death by suffocation. Death occurs after the lungs take in water. ... If a person is submerged after breathing in water for 4 to 6 minutes without resuscitation, it will result in brain damage and eventually death by drowning.

Can you drown and still survive?

Ultimately, drowning is asphyxia: it refers to respiratory compromise from immersion in a liquid (regardless of whether death ensues). You can drown and still be alive. ... After that, the brain lacks oxygen, organs fail, and ultimately, death follows.

Are drowned dangerous?

What are the complications of drowning? Hypoxemia causing brain damage is the major complication in drowning victims who do not die. Direct lung tissue damage caused by water aspirated into the lung can also occur and may lead to pneumonia and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).