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You don't want to become a victim too — you can only help the drowning person successfully if you are safe. So make sure you are comfortable swimming and have the skills to do so. If you are in open water, make sure there are no risks to your own safety, like high waves or a rip current.
If the person is still conscious, toss them a safety object or flotation device (like a rope or life ring) and pull them out of the water. If the person is unconscious, only go into the water to get them if you are confident you can do so or have the skills to pull them out successfully. It is good to bring a flotation device or hold onto a rope so you have assistance in the water.
Lay the person on their back on a flat surface. Try to wake them by shaking them and calling their name. If they remain unconscious, tilt their chin up and head back. Check for breathing by putting your cheek close to their nose and mouth, watching for rises and falls in their chest and listening for breathing sounds. If they are not breathing, begin resuscitation immediately.
With their head back, give the person five rescue breaths. Pinch their nose, make a seal over their mouth with yours, and exhale a strong breath of air into their mouth for 1 second. Do this five times. It is critical to get oxygen back into the drowned person. Then, perform CPR for one minute. Here is a simple guide for doing hands-only CPR.
Steps for performing hands-only CPR.
If you are alone, it is at this point you should pause and call 911. Then resume with two rescue breaths, 30 chest compressions, and repeat. Continue until they begin breathing on their own or help arrives.
While it is most important to get the person oxygen, you can also use an AED if there is no pulse. Here is an easy step-by-step guide to using one.
Put the person in the recovery position: roll them onto their side, using their top leg and arm to prop them up, with their head tilted back to keep their airway open. Keep them warm with any extra clothing, and assure them help is on the way. Make sure the person gets to the hospital and receives medical attention no matter what.
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