How do you rescue someone who is drowning?
Robert Miller
Updated on March 21, 2026
- Get Help. Notify a lifeguard, if one is close.
- Move the Person. Take the person out of the water.
- Check for Breathing. Place your ear next to the person’s mouth and nose.
- If the Person is Not Breathing, Check Pulse.
- If There is No Pulse, Start CPR.
- Repeat if Person Is Still Not Breathing.
What are the 3 most important words to remember when rescuing a drowning victim?
Before you attempt a rescue, you need to make sure that you are not putting yourself in danger. It is a good idea to remember a phrase used by lifeguards: “Reach, Throw, Row, Go with Support”.
What are the correct and safest steps in rescuing a victim who is drowning?
A simple process to carry out when rescuing a drowning person is, reach, throw, row and go, in that order. However, the first thing you should always do immediately you see someone drowning is call for help. Call the rescue emergency number to report the incident as soon as possible.
How can we save a scared and drowning victim?
Six steps to saving a life without risking your own
- Keep alert. Don’t expect a casualty to be shouting for help.
- Resist temptation. Don’t be tempted to go in.
- Call 999 or 112. Call the emergency services before you do anything else, so help will be on its way.
- Shout and signal.
- Find a rescue aid.
- Safe rescue.
What not to do when someone is drowning?
If you suspect someone is drowning, follow these USSSA guidelines: “Throw, Don’t Go”— Never just jump in because a drowning person can accidentally pull their rescuers under with them. Tossing a lifesaving device, rope, towel, or even pool noodle helps the drowning person without increasing risk to others.
What are the 4 A’s of rescue?
Royal Life Saving encourages people who find themselves in a rescue situation to follow the 4 As of rescue:
- Awareness. Recognise an emergency and accept responsibility.
- Assessment. Make an informed judgement.
- Action. Develop a plan and affect the rescue.
- Aftercare. Give aid until medical help arrives.
How long can you be revived after drowning?
New research shows that cold water drowning victims can be brought back to life as long as two hours after they drown if the right steps are taken. That means even if the heart has stopped beating and the victims’ brains aren’t getting the oxygen we all need to stay alive.
What not to do if someone is drowning?
If you suspect someone is drowning, follow these USSSA guidelines:
- “Throw, Don’t Go”— Never just jump in because a drowning person can accidentally pull their rescuers under with them.
- Get backup — Call 911 or inform others that someone is drowning, so they can call 911, and let them know you’re helping.
What are the 4 steps of water rescue?
Water Rescue Methods
- Reach – Try to reach the victim with your arm or leg. If a pole or sturdy stick is available, try to use that to reach out to the victim and pull him to safety.
- Throw – Throw something to the victim.
- Row – Get a boat out to the victim.
- Go (with support) – Swim out to the victim to rescue him.
What are the signs of a drowning person?
Watch for these signs of drowning:
- Head low in the water with mouth at water level.
- Head tilted back with mouth open.
- Eyes glassy and empty, unable to focus.
- Eyes closed.
- Hair over forehead or eyes.
- Not using legs and vertical in the water.
- Hyperventilating or gasping.
Which is the best way to rescue a drowning victim?
Research shows that drowning victims almost always somehow drown while facing the shore. As you perform the rescue, you want the victim to keep the shore in sight. For this reason, it’s better to approach from the rear and propel them with you towards the shore. Victims often begin to panic even more if they are turned away from the shore.
How long does it take for an active drowning to occur?
Active drowning victims will not be able to wave for assistance or reach for equipment. Once drowning has begun, the victim cannot voluntarily control his arm movements. Active drowning victims typically struggle on the surface for 20-60 seconds before being submerged.
What does it mean to be a Passive drowning victim?
A passive drowning victim is someone who is unconscious in the water. Assume the person needs medical attention and call for help. A tired swimmer might be using short, weak strokes and appear to be looking for something to cling to. They might call for assistance.
When to use a flotation device in a rescue?
This method is typically used for unconscious victims but may also be used for conscious and alert victims that are in distress or unable to grab and hold on to a flotation device. Only those rescuers, who are strong swimmers, should enter the water to retrieve a victim.