How to Rescue a Drowning Person
A fun day at the beach can turn horrific when you see someone flailing and drowning out in the waters. Stop panicking. Keep your cool and focus, because you can help save that other person’s life. Here are some tips to remember.
Before You Jump In
You might think of doing a Baywatch move, but unless you’re an experienced lifeguard, it’s better if you don’t. Remember that drowning people are flailing about and their first impulse act would be to grab onto you and keep themselves afloat. This could result in not just one, but two drowned people. If possible, try these rescue tactics first.
Throw A Life Ring
Many cruise ships, docks and swimming areas keep these donut shaped floating devices handy, so they can be used by anyone who’s in need.
Throw the life ring as close as possible to the drowning person, keeping the rope firm in your grasp. Toss it underhand, at a 45 degree angle, so if flies over the victim’s shoulders.
Once you see the person secure themselves with the ring, pull it towards you.
Ask for help, if needed, so you won’t be dragged in yourself.
Reach With A Pole
You should only use this method if the person is drowning somewhere near land or the shore.
Grab a pole, then reach it out to the other person. A boat oar, tree branch or even your arm will suffice.
Make sure you brace yourself, as the person’s weight might pull you in the water.
Hold onto something sturdy and start pulling her in.
Row Out
If it’s too far out to throw a life ring or use a pole, this is the next best option.
If there’s a small row boat where you are jump on it and row facing backwards. Pivot the boat, so the transom faces the drowning person.
Back the boat carefully and tell her to grab hold. Ship the oars, then move to the stern, keeping your weight low.
Grab the person under the armpits and pull her aboard. If she’s too heavy to life, throw her a life ring and secure it around her shoulders, row back to the shore with her.
This tactic only works best if you know how to row a boat quickly, otherwise it might be too late.
When These Tactics Fail
If you can’t unfortunately perform the rescue tactics above, there’s no other choice but to jump in yourself. Remember, you must only do this if you’re an experienced swimmer. You might put yourself in dire danger, if not.
Carry a flotation device with you. This will give the victim something to hold onto once you reach her. A rescue tube or a life ring will do.
Enter the water, swimming to the victim with long, quick strokes. Since the victim’s first impulse would be to get air, she will grab onto you and pull you down. To avoid this, grab the person from behind.
Put your arms under the victim’s armpits, bending your arms back so you are pointing at yourself. Hold on tight. Keep the flotation device across your chest, between you and the drowning person.
Talk to the victim. Give reassuring words to calm her down. This would help her to stop thrashing about.
When you reach the shore, give first aid. Look for signs of hypothermia. If she is not breathing, perform CPR.
It will take a great deal of courage to risk your life for another person’s. Just remember to keep yourself safe and follow these steps so your rescue will not be in vain.