The most important thing when initiating a rescue of someone in the water, is to NEVER put yourself in any danger. Many lives are lost trying to rescue someone by entering the water. Always try to stay on land.
There are several ways of assisting someone without getting in and we will be going through them in sequence below.
1. PREVENT DROWNING ~ STAY SAFE
Wherever possible make sure that you do not put yourself into any danger. If swimming in open water keep yourself safe. Take a tow float. Learn how to float or be able to swim on your back. Do not enter the water if you have had any alcohol.
Keep children supervised even if they can swim. Keep them within an arms length of you in the water. Do not use inflatables in the sea.
Keep to life guarded beaches and pools.
Wear a life jacket if you are using water craft such as a boat, kayak etc.
Be proactive and learn to swim or at least learn to float. If you are in the Solent area, contact Solent Swim School (email: solentswimschool@outlook.com). We offer a range of courses (Click here).
2. RECOGNISE DISTRESS ~ CALL FOR HELP
If you come across someone who appears to be struggling in the water, shout out to them. "Are you OK?", "Do you need any help?" If they say yes, then dial 999 before you do anything else. Sometimes though they don't answer you and if they don't, look out for other signs. Their head may be low in the water, mouth open, head leaning back, gasping, have a glassy look. Their body may be almost vertical, arms moving downwards, but no effective movement in the water. There isn't always lots of splashing and shouting as we are led to believe in the movies, they may just slip silently away under the water.
Call for Help
The first action should always be to summon help. Call the Coastguard by dialling 999 give them full details of what is happening. They will ask you where you are, so look for landmarks if the location is isolated. It helps to download the what3words app. This will give your precise location to the nearest metre and it is an app which the Emergency Services use. Download it from your App Store today. You never know when you might need it.
If you're with others, get one of them to seek help. Make sure that help is on the way before doing anything else. Keep an eye on where the casualty is, or ask a bystander to.
3. PROVIDE FLOTATION ~ TO PREVENT SUBMERSION
Find Something to Throw
The next important step is to provide them with flotation so they do not submerge. Don't be tempted to jump in. Providing the person with flotation buys them valuable time while waiting for the emergency services. Look around for something to throw to the person. Are there any rescue aids such as lifebelts or throw bags? If not pick up anything that will float. One of those plastic cool boxes (the lid can make a good float), a pool noodle, a tow float, a ball, even a plastic bottle or container, driftwood, anything that will help keep them afloat, that they can hang on to. Shout to them, direct them to the item, tell them to kick, reach and hang on to it. Shout loudly and firmly. Tell them help is on it's way. Reassure them. Remain calm.
Throw Bag Rescue.
Video by Royal Life Saving Society UK
Throwing Rescue.
Video by Royal Life Saving Society UK
Shouting and Directing.
Video by Royal Life Saving Society UK
4. REMOVE FROM THE WATER ~ ONLY IF IT'S SAFE TO DO SO
There are a few strategies to removing the person from the water without you getting in as shown in the video's above. Shouting and directing them to a safe exit, pulling them in from a throw line or life buoy, or if you have been able to reach them with a pole or other item. These are the safest ways for you to pull someone out of the water. You will have more leverage if you are on dry land. Bend your knees or lie down, keeping yourself secure. Reach out to them with the item and once they have hold, pull them in towards you.
Video by Royal Life Saving Society UK
The Dangers of Entering the Water to Save Someone
A drowning adult is very dangerous. They will be in a panic and will clutch on to something to pull themselves up. This can mean if a rescuer enters the water, they will grab hold of you and push you under while trying to lift themselves. If they manage to grab both your arms you are likely to end up in the same situation as them.
Never ever enter the water without something to reach to the person with and some flotation. You will need to maintain a distance from the casualty. Only ever wade in and remain in your depth. Reach out to them with a pole, a float, a lifebelt, even a towel. Keep your distance from them. Shout instructions to them. If you get into trouble yourself, then hold onto the flotation you have with you and remain calm. Help is on its way.
5. PROVIDE CARE AS NEEDED ~ SEEK MEDICAL HELP
If when you pull someone from the water and they are unresponsive, follow these steps:
A. Check for breathing. Tilt their head back and look, listen and feel for breaths. If they are not breathing move on to the following steps
B. Tell someone to call 999 for emergency help. This should have already been done when you noticed the person struggling in the water, but you can do it again and gain assistance with an operator on the phone, while you wait for the rescue services. If there is an AED (automated external defibrillator) available close by, ask someone to get it, but don't delay starting CPR.
C. Give 5 rescue breaths: tilt their head back, sealing your mouth over their mouth. Pinch their nose and blow into their mouth. Repeat this 5 times.
D. Give 30 Chest Compressions. Push firmly in the middle of their chest and then release. Repeat this 30 times.
E. Give 2 rescue breaths, then continue with cycles of 30 compressions and 2 rescue breaths until help arrives or the casualty shows signs of becoming responsive.
F. If the casualty starts to breathe normally, keep them still and treat for hypothermia by keeping them warm and dry if possible.
©Solent Swim School 2023
© Solent Swim School 2023
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