Drowning

If you suspect a person to be unresponsive in a body of water

DO NOT put yourself at any unnecessary risk to rescue them.

ALWAYS call 999 for Fire & Rescue and Ambulance, even if you are trained and capable of performing a rescue.

Unable to perform a rescue yourself? Keep eyes on the casulaty AT ALL TIMES

Lost sight of the casualty? Ensure you remember the last location you did see them (note any obvious current changes and hand this over to rescuers)

Once a casulaty is rescued, follow normal CPR/BLS steps with the following changes:

1. Perform rescue breaths prior to chest compressions

2. Dry the casualty before applying defibrillator pads

3. Ensure no standing water is present if defibrillating

4. Ensure the casualty is warmed up gradually whilst resuscitation takes place

5. Continue CPR for as long as possible - a person can successfully be resuscitated as long as 2 hours after drowning*

*In certain circumstances, especially in cold water.

For more information, advice or guidance on drowning or water safety, visit:

Red Cross - https://www.redcross.org.uk/stories/health-and-social-care/first-aid/five-things-to-know-about-drowning-in-open-water 

National Water Safety Forum - https://nationalwatersafety.org.uk/strategy 

St John Ambulance - https://www.sja.org.uk/first-aid-advice/drowning/