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QUESTION:

Dear Dr Dunlop.

I’ve decided to start my six month old at swimming lessons. I want him to be familiar and comfortable with water. I wasn’t prepared for part of the class involving the babies going under water.

I’m terrified of secondary drowning. What can I do to minimise the risk?

Thank you.

ANSWER:

Dear K,

I must admit, I'd never heard of secondary drowning until your message. From my reading, it's controversial whether it is a real entity or not, and in any case very rare.

If your child is happy and healthy, then you really have nothing to worry about. Water familiarisation necessarily involves submersing their heads and you should feel safe being guided by the swimming instructors, who are normally Swimming Australia certified.

Regards,

Dr Scott Dunlop
Consultant Paediatrician

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