Drowning
Drowning
If someone is drowning, they are unlikely to be shouting and thrashing about. Water splashing into the mouth can cause the airway to close off which prevents shouting and also prevents breathing. They will start to suffocate. Children playing in water tend to be noisy, so be aware of sudden quiet.
Peoples ability to swim or float effectively, water temperature, waves or debris in the water can all affect someone’s ability to survive in the water.
Action
- Use water safety guidance such as Shout, Reach, Throw, Don’t Go!
- Shout to the casualty and coach them to attempt to swim or paddle to the shore
- Reach to help them from the shore. Use a pole or tree branch or any object they can hold onto. If helping them lie down yourself to prevent you falling in.
- Throw a buoyant object such as a life ring or use a floating rope or throwbag (these are often found around open water).
- Don’t Go – do not put yourself at risk – unless you are trained and equipped, don’t enter the water.
- Never dive into the water if you decide for any reason to enter the water.
- Call 999/112
- Deliver CPR if needed.
- Look out for signs of hypothermia.
- Ensure anyone who has been in the water and rescued receives medical attention, secondary drowning can still occur at a later stage.
