If you see someone gasping for air and unable to scream for help, act immediately to determine if the person is drowning and help them as soon as possible. Death from drowning can occur within minutes; if there are no lifeguards on duty around, do first aid yourself. Once you get the hang of it, you can make a big difference and even save a victim's life.
Step
Method 1 of 5: Assessing the Situation
Step 1. Determine if someone is drowning
The victim of active drowning is still conscious but is struggling for life and cannot scream for help. The victim also seemed to move his hands. You must recognize the early symptoms because the victim can drown in 20-60 seconds.
- Victims of active drowning will gasp in and out of the water surface. The victim also did not make progress in saving himself.
- Someone who appears to be struggling but doesn't call for help, perhaps because they can't get oxygen to scream.
Step 2. Shout for help
Even if you're experienced or trained, it's a good idea to get someone else to help you. Shout to let someone know that someone is drowning. Call emergency services immediately, especially if the victim is floating face down.
Step 3. Determine the rescue method used
Stay calm and figure out the best way to help the victim based on the location and type of water. Get a life jacket if you can. If the victim is not too far away, use the rescue method at sea.
- It may take a few seconds to get noticed. Keep your composure and keep talking to the victim.
- If you have one, a shepherd's crook can help you reach a victim in a pond or lake.
- Use a life vest or other easy to throw rescue device to reach victims far from the beach or in the ocean.
- Dive into the water and swim towards the victim as a last resort when the victim is difficult to reach.
Step 4. Continue the rescue
Stay calm and focused. The panicked rescuer tends to make mistakes and also stress the victim. Tell the victim that you will come to help him.
Method 2 of 5: Performing a Reaching Assist
Step 1. Lie on your stomach by the pool or dock
Open both legs so that your position is stable. Never bend over too much until you lose your balance. Grab the victim and shout "Hold my hand!" You may need to scream several times before the victim sees or hears you. Scream loudly, clearly, and confidently.
- This type of rescue is only useful if the victim can still be reached by the side of the pool, pier, or near the beach.
- Do not attempt to perform a reach save standing up because you are in a precarious position and can easily fall into the water.
- Reach with your dominant hand as you need strength to pull the victim to safety.
- Use a tool to increase reach if the victim cannot be reached by the arm. You can use anything that is long and strong, such as an oar. You can also use a rope if the victim can reach it.
- Pull the victim out of the water and help him to a safe and dry place.
Step 2. Find the shepherd's staff
This tool is a long stick with a hook at one end that can be used as a grip for the victim, or a tool to hook the victim if he can't reach it himself. Many pools or outdoor swimming areas that store this tool.
Warn others on deck to stay away so the stick doesn't hit them. Don't let them interfere with your rescue efforts
Step 3. Stand some distance from the edge of the deck
Set foot firmly in case the victim pulls the stick. Make sure you're far enough away that you don't get dragged into the water. Place the hook where the victim can reach it, and call the victim to reach for the hook. If the victim cannot hold it, insert the hook further into the water and attach it to the victim's torso, just below the armpit.
- Make sure the hook is not near the victim's neck as this could result in injury.
- Aim carefully because usually the victim is difficult to see.
- You will feel a sharp jolt when the victim finds the given hook.
Step 4. Pull the victim out of the water
Make sure the victim has grasped the stick before you pull it out. Pull on the victim slowly and carefully until you can grip the victim with your arms to pull him out of the water. Get on your stomach and make sure you're stable enough to make a catch save.
Method 3 of 5: Performing a Throwing Assist
Step 1. Find a float
It's a good idea to use a buoy with a rope as it can help you pull the victim to safety. Life jackets, life jackets, and life cushions are usually stored at guard posts and other outdoor swimming areas. Usually the boat is also equipped with a life jacket that can be used if an incident occurs when you are in the middle of the water.
Step 2. Throw the float
Throw the buoy so that it lands within reach of the victim, but don't hit the victim. Consider wind direction and water currents before throwing the buoy. Make sure the victim knows that you are going to throw the buoy and that he or she must hold it in order to be helped.
- It's best to throw the life jacket so that it passes a bit past the victim, then pull it using a rope.
- If your throw misses or the victim can't reach the buoy, pull the buoy or try throwing something else.
- If your attempts don't work even after repeated attempts, it's best to try another method or swim to push the device toward the victim.
Step 3. Try throwing the rope
A floating rope can also be used to help the victim. Make a small loop knot at one end of the rope, thread the wrist that is not throwing into this small knot, then loop the rest of the rope loosely around the hand. Use a down throw to throw the rope and leave the rope in the non-thrower's hand free. Step on the end of the rope so you don't accidentally throw the knot.
- Aim for the victim's shoulder while throwing the rope.
- Once the victim has grasped the rope, drop the reel and begin pulling on the rope until the victim reaches the edge or can stand in shallow water.
Method 4 of 5: Performing a Swimming Rescue
Step 1. Make sure you are confident in your swimming skills
Swimming rescue should be a last resort. This rescue requires practice and excellent swimming skills. Victims often struggle and panic, endangering swimming rescue efforts.
Step 2. Swim with assistive devices
Do not attempt to perform a swimming rescue without a life vest. The first reaction of a drowning victim is to climb up on you so you need a life vest to keep you safe and rescue effective. If a life vest is not available, use a T-shirt or towel the victim can grip.
Step 3. Swim towards the victim
Use freestyle to get to the victim quickly. If you are in large water, use ocean swimming techniques to avoid being pushed by the waves. Throw a buoy or rope so the victim can hold it.
Instruct the victim to grasp the assistive device. Don't forget not to swim near the victim because you may be pushed into the water
Step 4. Swim back to shore
Swim straight towards the beach pulling the victim behind you. Check on the victim occasionally to make sure he or she is still holding the buoy or rope. Keep swimming until you get back to shore safely, then out of the water.
Maintain a safe distance between you and the victim
Method 5 of 5: Caring for Victims after Rescue
Step 1. Study the victim's ABCs
ABC stands for airway (airway), breathing (breathing), and circulation (circulation). Make sure someone has called emergency services and checked the ABC. Determine if the victim is breathing in and out, and that nothing is blocking the airway. If the victim is not breathing, feel for a pulse in the wrist or side of the neck. The pulse should be checked for 10 seconds.
Step 2. Begin CPR
If the victim has no pulse, start CPR. For adults and children, place the base of one hand in the center of the victim's chest and the other hand on top of it. Perform 30 chest compressions at a rate of 100 per minute. Press as far as 5 cm. Allow the chest to rise fully between each compression. Check if the victim begins to breathe.
- Do not press on the victim's ribs.
- If the victim is a baby, place two fingers on the victim's breastbone. Press down 4 cm.
Step 3. Give a breath if the victim is not breathing
You should only do this if you are trained in CPR. Begin tilting the victim's head back and raising the chin. Pinch the nose, cover the victim's mouth with yours, and give 2 breaths for 1 second. Notice if the victim's chest is raised. Continue with 30 chest compressions.
Continue this cycle until the victim begins to breathe or professional emergency services arrive
Tips
- You are the top priority. If you feel your safety is in danger, step back and reevaluate the situation. After that, try the rescue again.
- When you pull someone up against the pool wall, put the victim's hands on top of each other and place your hands on top of the victim's hands so they don't fall off. touch the head slightly back so it doesn't enter the water.
- You should only enter the water if there is nothing to help the victim. Being in the water with someone who is panicking, such as a drowning victim, can endanger the lives of both rescuers and victims.
- If the victim is panicking, you should grab him from behind. If you try to hold it from the front, the panicked victim may grab you too tightly and pull you into the water. It is best to hold the victim's hair or the back of the shoulder from behind. Do not touch the victim's hand.
- Do not attempt a reach rescue from a standing position or you may be pulled into the water.
