Brennan CE, et al. - Researchers here aimed at determining if stable, well-appearing, drowning patients who have normal age-adjusted vital signs and pulse oximetry upon arrival to the Emergency Department could be safely discharged without a prolonged observation period. In initially stable, well-appearing drowning patients, the overall complication rate was low. Subsequent complications could be predicted with an assistance of abnormal pulse oximetry reading at presentation. A prolonged observation period might not be required for patients presenting with normal age-adjusted vital signs and physical exam.