A mother has shared a harrowing story of how she saved her daughter’s life from ‘dry drowning’ after the girl swallowed swimming pool water. Annie Gallagher was enjoying a day at the pool with her children when her daughter, just five years old at the time, began coughing after jumping into the water. Despite appearing fine initially, the girl felt unwell later that evening, prompting Annie to trust her gut instincts and seek medical help.
Doctors discovered that her daughter had experienced a ‘dry drowning’ event, where she had inhaled water while swimming. Annie was informed that if she had not taken her daughter to the hospital that night, the outcome could have been catastrophic. Shocked by the incident, Annie decided to share her story on TikTok, which has garnered millions of views, to raise awareness about the dangers of dry drowning, especially during warm weather.
Reflecting on the incident, Annie recalled how her daughter had continued playing in the pool after coughing, but later felt unwell at home. Despite initial thoughts of sending her daughter to bed, Annie’s intuition led her to remember an article about dry drowning, prompting her to seek medical attention. Doctors confirmed that her daughter had developed inhalation pneumonia from ingesting a small amount of water, causing her lungs to fill with fluids.
After a week in the hospital, the young girl responded well to treatment and recovered fully. Annie emphasised the importance of parents trusting their instincts, as it ultimately saved her daughter’s life. She encouraged vigilance around safety hazards, teaching children about water safety, and staying alert to signs of distress.
Now, seven years on from the terrifying incident, Annie’s daughter is thriving and living a healthy life. Annie expressed gratitude for her daughter’s recovery and resilience, highlighting the importance of being aware of potential dangers while allowing children to continue living and learning safely. In a heartwarming moment, Annie shared that her daughter’s laughter after the ordeal was a beautiful reminder of her strength and resilience.