This article contains graphic images from real cases which may be disturbing to some viewers. Viewer discretion is advised. Drowning is defined as death caused by submersion in a liquid. It can occur in an ocean or, in the case of alcoholic stupor, epileptics, or infants, in water as shallow as 6 in . The mechanism of death in acute drowning is irreversible cerebral anoxia. The most important physiological consequence of drowning is asphyxia. In drowning, the volume of water inhaled can range from relatively small to very large. In freshwater drowning especially, large volumes of water can pass through the alveolar–capillary interface and enter the circulation. Even when large volumes of water are absorbed, there is no evidence that the increase in blood volume causes significant electrolyte irregularities or hemolysis, or that it is beyond the capacity of the heart or kidneys to compensate for the fluid overload. Some individuals who drown are considered to be ...