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If someone needs immediate help with witnessed drowning, use emergency mode.
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DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — You see a person struggling in water — going under, unable to call for help, or floating face-down.
The essentials if you need to act right now.
Call 112. Reach or throw — do not jump in. CPR if not breathing.
What might I see? Observable signs — no diagnosis required.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Head low in water, mouth at water level, unable to call for help.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Vertical in water with no leg kick — trying to climb an invisible ladder.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Face-down and still in the water.
Optional deeper explanation — not required to act.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — A drowning person may not shout or wave — they are using all energy to keep their mouth above water.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Untrained rescuers who jump in often drown too. Reach-throw-go with flotation is the safe civilian method.
Check the scene before you approach.
Civilian-safe actions you can take.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Shout "Call 112!" and point at a specific person to make the call.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Look for something to reach or throw — branch, rope, towel, life ring, empty bottle.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Do NOT jump in unless you are trained in water rescue.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Reach: Lie flat, hold something stable, extend a pole or branch for them to grab.
When and how to get professional help.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Do not enter deep or fast water unless trained. Use reach-throw-go with flotation.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Call 112 or 108. Say: "Someone is drowning at [exact location]. Send ambulance and rescue."
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Give landmarks — nearest shop, bridge, or building name.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Every drowning victim needs emergency medical evaluation — delayed lung complications can be fatal.
Dangerous actions, when not to attempt rescue, and common myths.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Do NOT jump in to rescue unless trained — many rescuers drown.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Do NOT let a panicking person grab you — they can pull you under.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Do NOT assume they are fine if they cough and walk away — they need hospital care.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — You should jump in to save a drowning person
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Untrained rescuers often drown. Reach, throw, or go with a flotation device from a safe position.
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: Toss anything that floats toward them.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Go: Only enter water with a flotation device if trained — approach from behind if possible.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Once out: Check breathing. If not breathing — start chest compressions on land.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Start CPR immediately if not breathing once the person is on land.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Two deaths instead of one — the rescuer becomes a victim.