How To Save Someone From Drowning

Prevention is the best key to saving lives from accidental drownings.For those that have swimming pools or ponds located on their property, some type of fence or enclosure with childproof locks is necessary in order to keep curious children and other unskilled swimmers from entering the body of water unnoticed.Since children have been known to drown in even the most shallow depths of water, all so-called kiddie pools and goldfish ponds should be covered, fenced, or emptied when small children are unaccompanied by adults.Also, common sense is in order when deciding whom to allow in your pool or other body of water.Intoxicated persons and unskilled swimmers should always be discouraged from entering the water while only those who are adept at swimming should be allowed in.Swimming alone is also discouraged as any unforeseen crisis can arise that warrants the assistance of others.

Although prevention is the best way to reduce drowning fatalities, there are also strategies that can be implemented to help save the life of someone who suddenly finds himself or herself in trouble in the water.The most important thing to remember when you encounter someone who is having difficulty in the water is to remain calm.By remaining calm and focused, you can think clearer and react quicker to a potentially deadly situation.Panicking only encourages mistakes and increases the odds of a fatality occurring.

In order to assist someone who is drowning, tell the person who is in trouble to remain calm and that you are there to help them.Quickly look for any type of float or floatation device to toss to the victim.If one is unavailable, try to extend a rope or pole for them to grab onto. If a float, rope, or pole cannot be secured and used to help assist the victim to safety, then and only then enter the water to personally assist them.Personally entering the water to save a drowning victim is to be used as a last resort as it jeopardizes the lives of both the rescuer and the person needing assistance.Persons who are drowning are generally in a panicked state and possess unusual strength and power.Unfortunately, this has resulted in the victim unintentionally pulling under and drowning the rescuer.If you do enter the water, repeat firmly to the victim to remain calm and stop fighting the water.Encourage them to hold onto you and float on their backs.By floating on their backs, the water will help buoy them, which will make it easier for you to pull them to safety.If a person continues to panic and their violent thrashing begins to pull you under, try to break free from their grasp so you can regain your strength and leverage in the water.Once you have recovered, again attempt to rescue them by repeating the need for them to remain calm and to float on their backs as you pull them to safety.