[Drowning, swimming pool death and other emergencies related to swimming]

In the Federal Republic of Germany, some 700 people drown every year. Of particular importance is the so-called swimming bath black-out that occurs while swimming under water, which must always be avoidable when the causes are known and appropriate precautionary measures taken. Of life-saving importance in a case of drowning is the rapid and proper use of first aid. The severe pulmonary injury induced by freshwater or salt water aspiration urgently requires the treatment of the victim in an intensive care unit of a hospital, even after successful resuscitation.