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If someone needs immediate help with self-rescue drowning, use emergency mode.
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DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — You are in water and cannot keep your head above the surface — you are going under.
The essentials if you need to act right now.
Float on back. Head back. Wave for help. Do not panic.
What might I see? Observable signs — no diagnosis required.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — You cannot get your mouth above water to breathe.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — You are swallowing or inhaling water.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Arms and legs feel heavy and useless.
Optional deeper explanation — not required to act.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Your body is running out of energy to stay above water. Panicking makes you sink faster.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Floating on your back uses less energy than treading water or fighting the current.
Check the scene before you approach.
Civilian-safe actions you can take.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Stop fighting. Take a breath if you can, then roll onto your back.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Tilt your head back — let water support your head.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Float on your back with arms and legs spread slightly.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Breathe slowly. Raise one arm and wave side to side.
When and how to get professional help.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Focus on staying afloat and signaling. Do not swim against a strong current.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Wave one arm above your head. Shout when your face is out of water.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — If you have a waterproof phone, call 112 on speaker.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — If you swallowed or inhaled water, you need medical care even after rescue.
Dangerous actions, when not to attempt rescue, and common myths.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Do NOT thrash or flail — this pushes you underwater.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Do NOT try to remove heavy clothing while sinking — float first.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Do NOT swim against a strong current — swim parallel or float until help arrives.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Strong swimmers cannot drown
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Anyone can drown from cramp, cold, current, injury, or exhaustion.
Other scenarios in the same family.
Child drowning
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — A child was found in water, is struggling in water, or was just pulled out and is not responding normally.
Boat capsize
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Your boat has overturned or is sinking and people are in the water.
Dam breach warning
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — You receive warning that a dam may fail, gates are opening, or a wall of water is coming downstream.
Flood rising water
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Water is rising around your home, road, or vehicle — from rain, river overflow, or urban flooding.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — If near shore, use a gentle scissor kick — do not sprint.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Shout "Help!" only when your mouth is above water.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Tell paramedics what happened — delayed drowning is possible.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Overconfidence leads to swimming beyond safe limits.