First Aid for Drowning: Step-by-Step Guide to Save a Life

Drowning emergencies happen fast, often without any warning. Knowing what to do in those critical moments could mean the difference between life and death. Whether you're hanging out at the pool, the beach, or even a lake, it's important to stay calm, act quickly, and follow these drowning first aid steps..

How to Spot a Drowning Emergency

Drowning doesn't look like what you see in the movies. It's usually silent and subtle, while in most cases a person maybe calling out for help or splashing in a state of panic, there have been cases where the person may not even be able to call for help. Here are the common signs to watch for:

• Head low in the water, with their mouth open or tilted back

• Gasping or struggling to breathe

• Weak or no movement-sometimes they just float motionless

• Trying to climb in the water but not making any progress

If you see any of these signs, don't wait-take action immediately.

Step 1: Keep Yourself Safe

Before diving in, make sure you're not putting yourself in danger. If the water looks rough or risky, use a flotation device or a long pole to reach them. Enter the water only if you're sure you can safely bring them back.

Step 2: Get the Person Out of the Water

If it's safe, remove the person from the water as quickly as possible. Time is critical when someone isn't breathing. Lay them flat on their back on a solid surface and clear their airway.

Step 3: Check for Breathing and Pulse

• Breathing: Place your ear close to their mouth and nose to listen for breath sounds. Watch their chest for movement.

• Pulse: Check for a pulse by placing two fingers on their neck, just under the jawline.

If a person rescued from drowning is not breathing, you'll need to act fast.

Step 4: Give 5 Rescue Breaths First

Call emergency services (999 UK, 112 Europe, 911 US) before taking action.

For drowning victims, oxygen is often the biggest issue. Unlike other emergencies, drowning first aid starts with 5 rescue breaths before moving to chest compressions:

• Tilt their head back slightly to open their airway.

• Pinch their nose shut and cover their mouth with yours to form a seal.

• Blow in gently just enough to make the chest rise. Repeat 5 times.

This is an important step because it helps bring much-needed oxygen to their lungs.

Step 5: Start CPR if There's Still No Breathing

In case the individual does not reply after the 5 rescue breaths, then proceed with the following CPR steps:

1. Start chest compressions:
   Place one hand over the other in the middle of their chest.
   Push hard and fast (about 2 inches deep) at a rate of 100 to 120 compressions per minute.

2. Alternate 30 chest compressions with 2 rescue breaths.

3. Keep on going until the individual begins to breathe or the emergency services arrive.

This combination of rescue breaths and compressions is essential for CPR in drowning emergencies.

Step 6: Prevent Hypothermia and Monitor Closely

If they regain consciousness, lay them on their side (recovery position) to keep their airway open, especially if they might vomit.

• If they are cold, wrap them with a towel or blanket to avoid hypothermia, but do not overheat.

• Stay with them until medical help arrives.

Step 7: Always Get Medical Help

Even if the person seems fine afterward, take them to the hospital. Drowning victims can develop secondary drowning, where fluid builds up in the lungs hours later. This condition can be life-threatening if not treated quickly.

Why 5 Rescue Breaths for Drowning Matter

In the cases of drowning, the lungs are not always filled with water; however, the airway might be blocked, and the body lacks oxygen (hypoxia). That's why giving 5 rescue breaths before starting chest compressions can make a huge difference it helps oxygenate the body, increasing the chances of survival.

How to Prevent Drowning Emergencies

1. Always supervise: Never leave children alone near water not even for a few seconds.

2. Learn to swim: Take swimming lessons or refresh your skills if it's been a while.

3. Use life jackets: They are necessary when boating or swimming in open water.

4. Avoid alcohol near water: Alcohol disrupts judgment and balance, which increases the risk of drowning.

5. Learn CPR: Knowing how to give CPR for drowning can save lives when every second counts.

Nobody would ever wish to be in a drowning situation, but being prepared is key. In case an individual who has been rescued after drowning is not breathing, administer 5 rescue breaths before starting CPR. Stay calm, act quickly, and never skip medical attention, even if the person seems okay.

Want to learn more about First Aid for drowning? Our First Aid courses offer complete training to help you handle critical situations. These courses can be helpful whether you would like to get better in your skills or in the workplace. View our Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) and Level 3 First Aid at Work courses. These courses meet the UK legal requirements and help you keep people safe.