When does the third stage of drowning typically occur?

The third stage of drowning occurs shortly after respiratory arrest. In the drowning process, the first stage involves surprise, where an individual may experience an unexpected situation that leads to panic and distress. Following this is respiratory arrest, which signifies that the person can no longer breathe and is unable to take in oxygen.

Once respiratory arrest has happened, without any intervention, the individual moves into the third stage, where the body begins to face severe physiological consequences. This usually leads to a lack of oxygenated blood reaching vital organs, setting the stage for potential cardiac arrest if interventions are not taken promptly. Understanding this progression is critical for lifeguards and rescuers, as it emphasizes the importance of rapid response to restore breathing and prevent further complications.