Conclusion: While there has been no reported benefit from prophylactic antibiotics in cases of near drowning, there have been no prospective trials assessing this topic. Current expert consensus on this very limited topic by the Wilderness Medical Society recommends that “there is no evidence to support empiric antibiotic therapy in the treatment of drowning patients.”¹⁰ Thus, the use of prophylactic antibiotics remains at the discretion of the treating physician.

Dr. Jones is assistant professor of pediatric emergency medicine at the University of Kentucky in Lexington.

Dr. Cantor is professor of emergency medicine and pediatrics, director of the pediatric emergency department, and medical director of the Central New York Poison Control Center at Upstate Medical University in Syracuse, New York.

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