diff --git a/mods/ITEMS/mcl_potions/functions.lua b/mods/ITEMS/mcl_potions/functions.lua
index 1e89ea3ec2..899fb83d1b 100644
--- a/mods/ITEMS/mcl_potions/functions.lua
+++ b/mods/ITEMS/mcl_potions/functions.lua
@@ -272,7 +272,7 @@ minetest.register_on_player_hpchange(function(player, hp_change)
 
 		if is_fire_node[player_info.node_head] or is_fire_node[player_info.node_feet] or is_fire_node[player_info.node_stand] then
 			if player:get_breath() == 0 and hp_change == -4 then -- probably drowning
-				return -1
+				return hp_change
 			else
 				return 0
 			end