What to do if someone is drowning?

If someone is drowning, every second counts. Drowning can cause brain damage or death within minutes, so rapid, careful action is essential.

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Step 1: Ensure Your Safety First

• Do not jump in recklessly—you could also drown.

• If possible, reach, throw, or extend something (a pole, rope, towel, life ring) for them to grab.

• Enter the water only if trained and it’s safe to do so.

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Step 2: Get the Person Out of the Water

• Once they are close enough, pull them to safety using the object.

• If you must swim to them, approach from behind to avoid being grabbed and pulled under.

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Step 3: Check Responsiveness and Breathing

• Lay the person on their back on a firm surface.

• If they are breathing:

  • Place them in the recovery position (on their side, head tilted back, mouth open) to keep the airway clear.

• If they are not breathing:

  • Call emergency services immediately.

  • Begin CPR.

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Step 4: CPR for Drowning Victims

1. Open the airway (tilt head back, lift chin).

2. Give 2 rescue breaths first (important in drowning because oxygen deprivation is the cause).

   • Pinch the nose, cover their mouth with yours, and give 2 full breaths until the chest rises.

3. Then start chest compressions:

   • 30 compressions in the center of the chest, followed by 2 breaths.

   • Continue 30:2 cycle until they start breathing or emergency help takes over.

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Step 5: Treat After Recovery

• Keep them warm and still (hypothermia risk).

• Even if they seem fine, they must get medical attention because water in the lungs can cause delayed complications (secondary drowning).

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Do Not

• Do not waste time trying to get water out of their lungs by lifting or shaking them.

• Do not stop CPR unless the person revives, help arrives, or you are physically unable to continue.