If you see someone floating in the water and you can't call for help, you'll need to act quickly to see if the person is really drowning. Drowning occurs in minutes; if there is no lifeguard nearby, you will have to do the rescue yourself. Being prepared can make a difference in a person's life.
Steps
Method 1 of 4: Handling the Situation
Step 1. Find out if the person is really drowning
Active drowning victims are still conscious but unable to call for help. It could be that the person is struggling, too. It is important to know how to recognize the signs, as the person can sink between 20 and 60 seconds.
- An active drowning victim will try to float in the water, with its mouth just above the surface. However, she won't be able to stay like this for long and will sink.
- Someone who seems to be struggling but isn't asking for help is probably out of oxygen to scream.
Step 2. Call for help
It doesn't matter if you know how to help or not, having help is always a good idea when someone is drowning. Call emergency services right away, especially if the person is floating on their stomach.
Step 3. Decide which rescue method to use
Keep calm and see how best to rescue the person according to the location and type of water the person is in. Find a buoy. If the person is close to you, use the approach method. If it's far away, go for the Ocean Rescue Method.
- It may take a few moments for you to get the person's attention. Keep calm and keep talking to her.
- If you have a shepherd's crook, you can use it to reach the person.
- Throw the person a buoy if they are too far off the ground, whether in a river or at sea.
- Dive into the water and swim to the victim if you have no alternative and the victim is too far to reach the ground.
Step 4. Proceed with the rescue
Stay calm and stay focused. People who panic are more likely to make mistakes and further stress victims. Shout out to the victim to know you're going to help them. === Saving the victim ===
Step 5. Lie facedown on the edge of the pool or deck
Spread your legs to be more stable. Never overreach in a way that compromises your balance. Shout for the person to take your hand, arm or oar. You may have to yell several times before she can hear or see you. Scream loudly, clearly and confidently.
- This type of rescue is only useful if the victim is within range of the pool, pier, or close to shore.
- Don't try to save someone if you're standing. This position is risky and you could fall into the water.
- Offer your dominant hand, as you'll need to use all your strength to pull the person in and save them.
- Look for an object that can extend your reach if the person is a little far away. An oar, broomstick, or rope can be useful if one can catch them.
- Pull the person out of the water and help him reach the ground.
Step 6. Take a shepherd's crook, which is a long bar with a hook at the end
You can offer it for the victim to hold, or you can use it to pull the victim if he is unable to hold himself. Many pools and outdoor areas contain this tool.
Warn other people on deck to stay away from the tip of the staff. You don't want anyone to get in the way of the rescue
Step 7. Stand slightly away from the edge of the deck
Secure their feet in case the victim pulls the staff. Stay far enough away that you don't risk falling into the water. If the person can't get the staff, use it to pull it, screwing it in some part of it (the arm, for example).
- Do not leave the staff close to the victim's neck as he may injure himself.
- Aim carefully as it can be difficult to see clearly.
- You will feel a tug as the person takes the staff.
Step 8. Pull the victim back to the ledge
Make sure she's got the staff before you start pulling. Gently and slowly, begin pulling the victim back to the edge until he's close enough for you to help him. Lie down on the ground and make sure you are safe enough to complete the rescue.
Method 2 of 4: Doing the Toss Rescue
Step 1. Find a floating device
If you find one with a rope, even better, because then you can pull the victim. You can find buoys, life jackets or floating mattresses at lifeguard stations. Boats are also equipped with buoys, so you can use them if an accident occurs while you are out at sea.
Step 2. Throw the float
Throw it towards the victim, but without hitting him directly. Consider wind direction before playing. Inform her that you are going to play something to help her save herself.
- A good idea is to drop the float close to the victim. After she picks up, use the rope to pull her.
- If you throw the object too far or she can't catch it, pull it back or use another floating device.
- If this fails after many attempts, try another method or swim to bring the float to the victim.
Step 3. Play a rope
A light rope can be used to save a victim. Hold it in the hand you're not going to use to throw it and circle your arm. At the other end, make a ring and throw it to the victim. Step on the part of the rope that was left on the ground to have more firmness when pulling the person.
- When throwing the rope, aim for the person's shoulder.
- After the person picks up the rope, carefully pull it until they are close to the edge or are able to touch their feet to the bottom.
Method 3 of 4: Swimming Rescue
Step 1. First of all, you must know how to swim
Swimming rescues should be considered as a last resort only because they require training and a lot of skill. The victim will usually be thrashing and panicking, which can be dangerous in a rescue.
Step 2. Take rescue equipment with you
Don't swim to the person without at least one buoy, as their first reaction will be to ride on top of you. You'll need to ensure that neither of you sinks and that you'll be able to get her safely to the edge. If you don't have a float, bring a shirt or towel for the victim to hold.
Step 3. Swim to the victim
Go freestyle or crawl to get to the person. If you're in a large body of water, prefer techniques for swimming in the sea, so you'll avoid getting caught by a wave. Throw the rope or buoy for the person to catch.
Instruct the victim to pick up the object. Remember not to get too close to her because, in a moment of desperation, she might cling to you and you will both sink
Step 4. Swim back to the edge
Swim straight to the edge or shore, pulling the victim. Check how from time to time she is breathing, holding the float, and conscious. Keep swimming until you reach a safe place..
Keep a safe distance from the victim
Method 4 of 4: Caring for the Victim After Rescue
Step 1. Check the three basic points:
airways, breathing and circulation. See if anyone has already called the emergency service and check these three points. Check if the person is breathing or not and if there is something obstructing their airway. If there is no breathing, try to feel the pulse in your wrist or neck. Feel the pulse for at least ten seconds.
Step 2. Perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation
If there is no pulse, you may need to go through the resurrection process. For adults and children, press the palm of the hand to the center of the victim's chest. Do 30 compressions at a rate of 100 per minute. Press until the chest sinks about 5 cm. Allow the chest to come back completely before pressing again. Check if the person has resumed breathing.
- Do not put pressure on the victim's ribs.
- If the victim is a child, press two fingers into the rib cage. Press for 3 centimeters.
Step 3. Give mouth-to-mouth resuscitation if the massage doesn't work
Do this only if you have been trained to do so. Put the person's head back and lift their chin. Press the nostrils, cover the person's mouth with yours, and blow air twice, for one second each. See if her chest is expanding. Follow with two breaths and 30 compressions.
Continue until the person starts breathing or until the ambulance arrives
Tips
- You are your priority. If you feel your life is at risk, step back, assess the situation, and then consider trying to rescue the victim one more time.
- When bringing the victim to the edge of the pool, place their hands on top of each other and then place your hands on top of theirs so they won't let go. Gently tip the victim's head back so that he or she does not inhale or swallow water.
- Only enter the water if there is nothing else around that can be used to reach the victim. Being in the water when someone is in despair (such as a drowning victim) can be fatal for both of you.
- If the victim is panicking, it might be better to take him from behind. If you go ahead, she may, in a moment of desperation, grab you and pull you down. The best way to try to save someone is to take the person from behind. Do not touch the victim's hands.
- Do not try to save someone if you are standing, or you could be pulled into the water.