Need help right now?
If someone needs immediate help with reach/throw rescue, use emergency mode.
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DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Someone is in water and needs help. You are on shore and must rescue them without entering the water unless trained.
The essentials if you need to act right now.
Call 112. Reach with pole. Throw float. Do not jump in untrained.
What might I see? Observable signs — no diagnosis required.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Person in water cannot self-rescue and is getting weaker.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — No lifeguard present.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — You have access to rope, pole, or floating objects.
Optional deeper explanation — not required to act.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Reach-throw-go is the standard order for bystander water rescue. Most civilian rescues succeed without the rescuer entering water.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — A panicking drowning person has superhuman grip strength and will climb on top of a rescuer.
Check the scene before you approach.
Civilian-safe actions you can take.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Shout to victim: "Grab this!" while extending an object.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Lie flat on bank for reach rescue — lowers center of gravity.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Assign one bystander to call 112 with exact location.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Reach: Hold a stable object (tree root, fence) with one hand, extend pole with the other.
When and how to get professional help.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Untrained civilians should use reach and throw. Entering water is last resort with flotation and training.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Call 112. Say: "Water rescue needed at [location]. Bystander attempting reach/throw rescue."
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Update dispatch when person is out of water and breathing status.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — All rescued drowning victims need hospital evaluation.
Dangerous actions, when not to attempt rescue, and common myths.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Do NOT jump in without flotation if untrained.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Do NOT swim to someone in a current without a rope tied to shore.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Do NOT attempt rescue alone if help is available — coordinate.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — A good swimmer should always swim to a drowning person
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Even strong swimmers drown attempting rescue without technique and flotation. Reach-throw-go saves both lives.
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 — Throw: Coil rope underhand, aim past the person so they can grab it as it lands.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Go: If you must enter, take a flotation device, approach from behind, and do not let them face-grab you.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Once on shore: ABC — airway, breathing, compressions if needed.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Rescuers who entered water should also be checked for hypothermia and exhaustion.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Double drowning — rescuer becomes second victim.