Things You'll Need:
- Swimming lessons
- Floating device
- Pole, stick or rope
- Warm blankets
- CPR
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Step 1
Try to remove the victim from the water immediately. If the person is still conscious and able to stay afloat, throw in a floating device or life preserver. If the victm is within reach, then use a long pole, stick or rope so they can have something to hold onto while you are pulling them out of the water.
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Step 2
If the person is too far out of reach, then try to swim out towards the person. Remember this should only be done by a good swimmer who knows some basic rescue techniques. The danger of an inexperienced person rescuing a drowning victim is the risk of being grabbed and pulled down by the victim. If you cannot swim, then call 911 or EMS immediately.
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Step 3
Once the victim is pulled out of the water, ask if they have any pain, numbness or tingling. These could be red flags for spinal cord injuries. In these cases you should place the person in the spinal cord injury position and try to minimize movement of the neck. Call EMS immediately.
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Step 4
It is important to reduce the risk of hypothermia in near-drowning victims, therefore, you must remove any wet clothing immediately and wrap the person in warm blankets or clothing.
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Step 5
Learn to recognize signs of a near-drowning victim. For example, someone in the water who is showing panic, struggling to stay afloat, fully-clothed, arms flailing, coughing or spluttering. These are all potential red flags and help must be given immediately to save a life.
