What does the term 'non-fatal drowning' imply?

The term 'non-fatal drowning' refers to incidents where an individual survives a drowning event but may experience various health complications as a result. This implies that while the person has survived, the incident could still lead to long-term neurological or physical impairments, difficulty in breathing, or other health-related issues. Such possibilities underscore the seriousness of drowning incidents, even if they do not result in death.

Other interpretations of the term do not accurately capture the possible implications of surviving a drowning event, as simply surviving without injury or experiencing only minor issues does not reflect the potential for ongoing health concerns. Similarly, the concept of being unconscious for an extended period does not encompass the broader health impacts that may arise post-drowning. Therefore, focusing on future health implications provides a more comprehensive understanding of the risks associated with non-fatal drowning events.