Flash floods. Tsunamis. Rivers. Oceans. Hurricanes. The force of moving water is powerful, majestic sometimes, and also potentially deadly.

Lakes. Ponds. Swimming pools and spas. Even still water offers a hidden hazard. It only takes 30-seconds for a child to drown. And contrary to what people think, there is usually no cry for help. Drowning is a silent killer...

Too many families continue to suffer the loss or injury of loved ones in open water. In addition to sudden death bereavement, post-traumatic stress injury (PTSD) is frequently a compounding problem.

The Drowning Support Network (DSN) offers peer support to those who have lost loved ones in drownings or other aquatic accidents, including when no physical remains have been recovered, or the recovery process has been lengthy and difficult. Water rescue/recovery personnel are also welcome to participate.

We lend one another support and guidance. We promote drowning prevention programs, water rescue training for emergency responders, standards for recovery operations that reduce the burden on grieving families, and we lobby for change in the way all open and moving water related emergencies are managed.

We honor confidentiality. No research. No nonprofit or commercial solicitations allowed.

DSN is a moderated group. All potential members are screened and all messages are monitored. Members must agree to abide by our published terms of use in order to participate.

Information on this site is designed to support, not replace, physician-patient, provider-patient relationships.

Butterfly photo by Judi Schmitt, with permission.

Sponsor: Higgins Langley Memorial and Education Fund