Drowning can be silent and fast. A person who has been submerged in water, even if conscious and breathing, requires immediate assessment.
Ensure your own safety first. Do not jump into fast-moving or deep water unless you are a strong swimmer. Throw a rope, extend a branch, or use a flotation object.
Once the person is out of the water, lay them flat on a firm surface.
Check for response — shout their name and tap their shoulders.
Check for breathing — tilt the head back, lift the chin, look for chest movement, listen for breath, feel for air for up to 10 seconds.
If not breathing: begin CPR immediately with 5 rescue breaths first (unlike standard CPR which starts with compressions). Then continue 30 compressions to 2 breaths.
If breathing: place in the recovery position on their side. Keep them warm — drowning victims lose body heat rapidly.
Remove wet clothing and cover with whatever dry material is available.
Do not leave the person unattended even if they appear to have recovered fully.
Do not give food or fluids until they have been fully assessed — aspiration of water into the lungs is common and may not show symptoms immediately.
Person is not breathing — begin CPR immediately.
Person regained consciousness but develops coughing, chest pain, or difficulty breathing in the hours after rescue — secondary drowning.
Person is confused, unusually sleepy, or behaves strangely after rescue.
Diving injury — suspected neck or spine damage.
Child was submerged even briefly — always requires hospital assessment.
Never assume a drowning victim is fine because they are conscious — secondary drowning can occur hours later as lungs continue to fill with inhaled water.
Do not attempt to drain water from the lungs — it is ineffective and wastes critical time.
Do not hold the person upside down.
Suspect cervical spine injury in diving accidents — take great care moving the neck.
✗ What To Avoid
· Do not give anything by mouth until the person is fully alert and assessed
→ Ask The Pharmacist For
· Oxygen if available at a clinic
· Warm blankets for hypothermia management
🏥 Get Professional Help
Every person who has been submerged in water must be assessed at a hospital — even if they appear fully recovered. Secondary drowning is a real and silent danger. Do not send them home without medical clearance.