The Drowning Files

Parents and lifeguards are subject to distractions. Eye witnesses claim a mother was on her phone quite a bit while her child drown. Find out why this is so challenging to avoid.

An older lap swimmer was a violinist. He was recreating at a pool in the UK. A few things went wrong in this 2022 drowning.

Dr. Tom Griffiths and Dr. Rachel Griffiths discuss what happens when a lap swimmer drowns with one lifeguard on-duty. Many protocols were missed. What could've been done differently?

Dr. Tom Griffiths and Dr. Rachel Griffiths discuss a case that happened in a diving well. There was a lot of activity going on. The child practiced a common swim lesson skill that can be both a red flag and dangerous.

Dr. Tom Griffiths discusses a 21st birthday party at a house. The pool was not completely filled. A misjudgment was made.

A couple of siblings are in the pool. One follows the other out to deeper water. The only lifeguard on duty is not paying attention. However, this child may be lucky.

Dr. Tom Griffiths and Dr. Rachel Griffiths discuss a drowning at a lake. A band camp was staying at the camp after the camp season. The drowning remains a mystery.

Dr. Tom Griffiths and Rachel Griffiths discuss a case of "dolphining" under the water. Repercussions of this exercise and similar activities in the water are discussed. A great resource is http://underwaterhypoxicblackout.org/

Dr. Tom Griffiths and Dr. Rachel Griffiths discuss a case when a girl slipped off the back of a boat. The cause is surprising. Still, more could be learned.

Dr. Tom Griffiths and Dr. Rachel Griffiths discuss a case from the Jersey Shore. It's a minor injury. What went right and what went wrong are discussed.

Dr. Tom Griffiths and Dr. Rachel Griffiths discuss a case from the 90s on a Military Base. They talk about how balance checks and balances. They provide suggestions for supplementing supervision.

Dr. Rachel Griffiths and Dr. Tom Griffiths discuss a case involving the drain at the bottom of the pool. Although the situation has improved in the U.S. drain safety still is an important part of water safety. They talk about what to avoid and how to stay safe.

Dr. Tom Griffiths talks about a case involving multiple people and an attraction that is inviting. The pretty attraction is a hidden hazard in more ways than one.

Dr. Tom Griffiths discusses a case that happened on the pool deck. The out of the water hazard is discussed. Fingers were pointed at each other.

This case produced a new lifeguard after the incident. Find out how there were successes with this hot tub incident in more ways than one. Dr. Tom and Dr. Rachel discuss why it is important to "never soak alone".

Dr. Tom and Dr. Rachel discuss a case involving siblings. When the incident occurs, a bit of panic leads to a delayed response. Suggestions to plan for panic are included.

A high platform over the Delaware River. A dive into the water. A life forever changed. Dr. Tom Griffiths and Dr. Rachel Griffiths discuss a life-altering dive and how water depths can be deceiving.

A boy travels from abroad to the U.S. and that day visits a lakefront with his friend. His friend alerts the guards. The guards start with gathering information. Dr. Tom Griffiths and Dr. Rachel Griffiths discuss the case and what went wrong.

An incident happened at this crowded facility. Lifeguards thought they may be holding their breath. Often a bystander is the first to spot a drowning victim, even at a facility with lifeguards on-duty.

There was a lifeguard on-duty and highly qualified swim lesson instructors engaged in a swim lesson. There were also distractions. A child slips under the water unnoticed and is discovered. Was it too late?

A father and son are swimming at a hotel pool. A housekeeper spots something in the pool. This case highlights the importance of including everyone as a part of the safety team.

A sports camp visits the pool. Counselors and lifeguards are on-duty. Group-use policies are on record, but not followed and tragedy ensues. Dr. Tom Griffiths discusses some unusual lawyer tactics, as well as lessons learned for families and aquatic professionals.

When swimming is part of a Day Camp, vigilance is a must. But, more eyes doesn't equal more vigilance. In fact, sometimes finger pointing ends up in the wake of a tragedy.

A personal case is discussed by Dr. Tom Griffiths, as well as 3 parallel cases in the same small town. Lap swimming is not a time to let your guard down. Medical events can happen in the water and if they aspirate water, it will be considered a drowning. Quick response time is always a must.

Have you heard of drowning after swimming? Dry drowning, secondary drowning, or delayed drowning are points of discussion. Is it possible this four year old girl succumbed to drowning, or was it something else? Find out on today's drowning files.