"Dealing with Drowning: What to Do Before Emergency Help Arrives"

https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/drowning

https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies/water-safety.html

Drowning happens in any body of water, and it usually takes between 20-60 seconds. Unfortunately, drowning takes about 236,000 lives every single year. 

Most people think that people who drown would make a lot of noise to catch the attention of a bypasser. However, drowning is often silent as the victim is unable to make sounds underwater.

How can you tell if someone is drowning? 

1. Head is low in the water, mouth is located at water level

2. Signs of gasping and hyperventilating

3. Attempting to swim but is not making any progress

4. The body is limp, with legs angled vertically.

5. Arms are pressing down in the water like they’re climbing an invisible ladder.

How can you avoid drowning?

1. Learn to swim

2. Always swim with a friend or person you know

3. Wear a life jacket

4. Wear bright swimwear (that aren’t blue or white)

5. Avoid rough or unknown waters.

What do you do when you see someone drowning?

1. If trained, dive in the water and try to rescue the victim

2. If not trained, don’t enter the water and throw a flotation device, pole, or anything floatable nearby.

3. Call 911.