W69: Drowning and submersion while in natural water

Drowning and submersion while in natural water refers to a group of incidents where individuals suffer harm due to inhaling water or other fluids, leading to impaired breathing and other potential complications. This usually occurs when individuals are unable to keep themselves afloat or reach the surface of a body of natural water, such as oceans, rivers, lakes, or ponds. These incidents may be caused by various reasons such as lack of swimming skills, currents, or unexpected situations like falling through ice. Common symptoms following such an event may include difficulty breathing, coughing, chest pain, fatigue, and in severe instances, unconsciousness. This is a potentially life-threatening condition that can affect multiple systems in the body, including the respiratory and cardiovascular systems. Additionally, if underwater for too long, there may be long-term effects on the brain due to lack of oxygen.