S wimminginduced pulmonary oedema (SIPE) is a condition that causes severe, sudden breathlessness during open water swimming. It appears to be fairly rare, but is seen more often as the popularity of open water swimming increases. SIPE can be described as an attack of shortness of breath that is out of proportion to the effort being put in, during or immediately after swimming. It can occur on its own or may include symptoms such as a whistling or crackling sound in the chest, an unexplained cough, coughing up phlegm or fluid and a feeling of tightness in the chest. SIPE is not normally linked to water inhalation and does not occur immediately on entering the water. Symptoms usually improve once on dry land. However, if someone is unaccompanied or cannot get out of the water quickly, it could be life-threatening.
IF SOMEONE IS UNACCOMPANIED OR CANNOT GET OUT OF THE WATER QUICKLY, IT COULD BE LIFETHREATENING