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.
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:
If you see any of these signs, don’t wait-take action immediately.
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.
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.
If a person rescued from drowning is not breathing, you’ll need to act fast.
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:
This step is crucial because it helps deliver much-needed oxygen to their lungs.
If the person doesn’t respond after the 5 rescue breaths, follow these CPR steps:
This combination of rescue breaths and compressions is essential for CPR in drowning emergencies.
If they regain consciousness, lay them on their side (recovery position) to keep their airway open, especially if they might vomit.
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.
Want to learn more about First Aid for drowning? Our First Aid courses offer complete training to help you handle critical situations. Whether you want to improve your skills or workplace safety, these courses help build confidence and expertise. 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.
In drowning cases, the lungs are not necessarily full of water, but the airway may be blocked, and the body is deprived of 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.
No one ever wants to face a drowning emergency, but being prepared is key. If a person rescued from drowning is not breathing, give 5 rescue breaths before starting CPR. Stay calm, act quickly, and never skip medical attention, even if the person seems okay.
