Table 6 Studies on cases of death from hazardous conditions in swimming
From: Hypothesized mechanisms of death in swimming: a systematic review
Author | Year | Type of study | LOE | Findings | Critical evaluation/comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Knechtle | 2020 | Case Series (n = 2) | 4 | The likely cause of death from cold water swimming is an initial neurogenic cold shock response, or hypothermia | Cold water swimming is practiced by a very small number of extreme athletes, and poses significant health risks to inexperienced and untrained swimmers |
Atilgan | 2020 | Case Report (n = 1) | 4 | The girl drowned after her feet were vacuumed into a drainage hole in a swimming pool | The cause of death was drowning due to a faulty drainage system in the swimming pool |
Focardi | 2019 | Case Report (n = 1) | 4 | The boy died due to drowning, who was trapped at the abdomen by an uncovered suction drainage hole | |
Sinton | 2016 | Case Series (n = 5) | 4 | At autopsy, several distinct patterns of injury were observed, including a complete traumatic rupture of the body | It is difficult to determine from an autopsy whether the crocodile attack occurred before or after death |
Škavić | 2015 | Case Series (n = 1) | 4 | A 66-year-old woman was found dead of drunkenness (acute alcohol poisoning) while swimming, accompanied by systemic atherosclerosis, left ventricular hypertrophy, liver diseases and trauma | The number of cases was too small and limited information was available at autopsy |
Durakovic | 2012 | Case Series (n = 1) | 4 | The teenager died while swimming in a state of level 2 to 3 intoxication. Autopsy revealed a 450 g enlarged heart, pulmonary edema, and bilateral pleural effusion | It is not easy to define exactly what is an exertion-related death |
Harding | 2006 | Case Report (n = 1) | 4 | Crocodile attacks result in numerous skin lacerations, punctures and ecchymosis, accompanied by pulmonary congestion and edema, resulting in death | Although the death was attributed to drowning based on pulmonary edema, multiple sharp force injuries were listed as contributing factors |
CDC | 1996 | Case Series (n = 1) | 4 | Contact with electricity can result in death through temporary paralysis and drowning of persons who are swimming or diving | No state or national surveillance systems exist for related deaths. And electricity-related drownings are difficult to identify |
Goodson | 1993 | Case Report (n = 1) | 4 | The boy died from drowning after being paralyzed by electrical current from a defective pool-light | No evidence of electrical trauma was found on the body |