What does drowning diagnosis require, according to medical examiners?

The diagnosis of drowning is typically classified as a diagnosis of exclusion because it requires ruling out other potential causes of death before concluding that drowning is the primary cause. Medical examiners must consider and investigate various scenarios, such as cardiac events, trauma, or other medical conditions that could lead to similar circumstances before determining that drowning occurred. This thoroughness is essential, as the mechanisms behind drowning can be complex, and there may be contributing factors that need to be addressed. By approaching it as a diagnosis of exclusion, medical examiners ensure that all alternative causes of death are adequately investigated, supporting a more accurate and reliable conclusion regarding the circumstances of the individual's death.