Saving a

drowning victim

Gianina P. Papa IV-5

Drowning victims tend
to claw at rescuers
and climb to the
surface at all costs.
Never attempt a direct
rescue of a conscious
drowning victim
without proper
HOW TO SAVE A
DROWNING
VICTIM
1. Wear a floatation device if
available. First thing to
remember is to not become
a victim yourself.
2. If more than one rescuer is
available, have someone
call 911.
*If calling 911 from a cellphone,
remember to say your location
carefully and do not hang up until
the 911 dispatcher tells you to do
so.
 If the victim is conscious:

3. Try to reach the victim with

something rigid to pull him
back.
*Recommended: oar
 If the victim is conscious:

4. If nothing will reach, throw

the victim a rope and
encourage him to grab on.
*Recommended: Life-preserver with
a rope attached
 If the victim is conscious:

5. If the victim is too far for a

rope, make sure that 911 is
called.
*If enough people are available,
try making a chain by holding
hands out to the victim.
If the victim is conscious:

*The rescuer may try swimming

out to the victim, but follow these
steps:
1.Tie a rope to the rescuers waist
before heading out to the victim
and have someone on shore or
on a nearby boat hold the rope.
2.Take a pole, oar, rope or other
object to reach the victim.
If the victim is unconscious:

3. Take a boat to the victim or

tie a rope around the
rescuers waist and let the
rescuer pull the victim back
to shore.
 If the victim is unconscious:

4. In cold weather, remove the

victims wet clothing. Cover
the victim with a blanket and
watch for symptoms of
hypothermia.
5. If the victim is not breathing,
perform CPR.
EQUIPMENT
TIPS
 Tips
All victims near drowning need
medical attention.
*Dry drowning water in the lungs (even
small amounts) can lead to them filling
with fluid water; This condition can be fatal.
*Closely watch anyone who chokes on
water while swimming, especially
swimming in anything other than a
pool.
 Tips
Only swim in areas protected by
lifeguards.
*Swimmers at a lifeguard-protected area
have only a 1 in 18 million chance of
drowning, according to CDC.
If an unconscious victim is found
on the water, always assume
that the victim has a neck injury.