ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Drowning and near drowning are serious public health problems and an important cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Present study is done to understand the pattern of near drowning cases in this coastal region of Karnataka. METHODS: This hospital based retrospective research was conducted at Kasturba Hospital, Manipal in Southern India from January 1993 to December 2003. A detailed victimologic profile was made. RESULTS: Study included a total of 58 cases of near drowning. Males were predominantly affected (84.5%). Majority of the victims were aged below 10 years (39.7%). Manner was accidental in maximum (82.3%) reported cases. Incidence of fresh water drowning was more than sea water drowning. Fatal outcome was reported in 12.1% cases with maximum fatalities occurring within one to three days of hospitalization. Most of the victims witnessed respiratory complications (55.2%). CONCLUSION: Males in the first decade are at increased risk of accidental drowning. Swimming under adult supervision, immediate resuscitative measures and early medical aid is proposed.