Investigation of drowning cases in a tourism region of Turkey

Objective: Drowning is the process of experiencing respiratory impairment from submersion/immersion in liquid. Drowning outcomes should be classified as: death, morbidity, and no morbidity. Drowning is a major, but often neglected, public health problem. In this study we would like to present a data of drowning cases in a tourism region, although comparison with worldwide findings. Material and Methods: A total of 32 drowning cases brought to the our medical facility within the 2002-2006 time period were included in the study. Results: There were a total of 32 cases (24 males, 8 females), aged between 5-86 years. Their nationality distribution was as follows: 50% Turkish, 18.75% Germans, 18.75% Russian, 9.37% Polanders, and 3.13% Norwegian. 65.6% of the cases drowned in the sea, 28.1% in the swimming pool, and 6.3% cases drowned in a river. Seven of the cases were within the < 10 years age group, 6 patients were in the 65 and above age group. Eleven of the cases had a history of alcohol consumption prior to drowning. Fourteen of the Turkish cases had been living inland. Conclusion: When all cases were considered, the drowning frequency was found to be higher among males, children, presence of an additional disease, and vacationing people residing inland away (inland inhabitands) from any seacoast. The increase in the frequency of drowning cases in our country seems to be inevitable paralleling the recent development of tourism. Swimming teaching courses -first aid lessons to tourists during their holiday period, especially to inland inhabitants may be preventive and life saving activities.