Drowning and Near Drowning:
Recognising and Responding to Water-Related Emergencies

Drowning is a life-threatening emergency that occurs when a person is submerged in water and unable to breathe, leading to asphyxiation. Near drowning refers to survival after a drowning incident, but it still requires immediate medical attention due to the risk of complications, such as lung damage or secondary drowning. Understanding how to respond to a drowning situation is critical for saving lives.

What is Drowning?

Drowning happens when a person’s airway is submerged, causing them to inhale water. This prevents oxygen from reaching the lungs and, in turn, the brain and other vital organs. Within a few minutes, lack of oxygen can lead to brain damage or death.

What is Near Drowning?

Near drowning occurs when a person is rescued before death from drowning, but they may still suffer from severe oxygen deprivation. Even if the person appears to recover initially, they can still suffer complications such as fluid in the lungs or secondary drowning (when water in the lungs causes breathing problems hours after the incident).

Common Causes of Drowning

• Inability to Swim: Many drowning incidents occur because the person is unable to swim or is not a strong swimmer.
• Exhaustion: Swimmers can become tired and lose the ability to stay afloat, especially in cold or rough water.
• Alcohol Consumption: Alcohol impairs judgment, coordination, and reaction times, increasing the risk of drowning.
• Unsupervised Swimming: Drowning often happens when children or inexperienced swimmers enter the water without proper supervision.
• Water Accidents: Drowning can occur due to boating accidents, slipping into deep water, or becoming trapped underwater.

Signs of Drowning

Drowning can happen quietly and quickly, often without the dramatic splashing or cries for help seen in movies. Key signs to watch for include:

• Struggling to Keep the Head Above Water: The person may be bobbing up and down, trying to keep their head above water.
• Climbing or Flailing Motions: The person may be making instinctive climbing motions in an attempt to keep their head up.
• Silent Struggle: Drowning people are often unable to call for help because they cannot get enough air.
• Face Submerged: The person’s face may be partially or fully submerged.
• Unconsciousness: In some cases, the person may already be unconscious when noticed, floating face-down in the water.

First Aid for Drowning

Responding quickly and effectively to a drowning incident is essential for preventing brain damage or death.

1. Ensure Your Own Safety First:

• Before attempting to rescue someone, assess the situation and make sure you do not put yourself at risk. Use a flotation device, a pole, or rope to reach the person if possible. Only enter the water if absolutely necessary.

2. Call 999 Immediately:

• As soon as possible, call 999 or ask someone else to do so. Explain that there is a drowning emergency and provide your location.

3. Get the Person Out of the Water:

• If it is safe to do so, carefully remove the person from the water. If they are unconscious, lay them on their back on a firm surface.

4. Begin CPR if Necessary:

• Check if the person is breathing. If they are not breathing, begin CPR immediately. Follow these steps:
  1. Open the Airway: Tilt the head back and lift the chin to open the airway.
  2. Give 5 Rescue Breaths: Pinch the nose shut, cover their mouth with yours, using a barrier and give slow rescue breaths. Watch for the chest to rise.
  3. Perform Chest Compressions: If there is no pulse or the person is not breathing, start chest compressions. Place your hands in the centre of the chest and push hard and fast at a rate of 100-120 compressions per minute (about two per second).
  4. Alternate between 30 chest compressions and two rescue breaths until the person begins breathing or emergency services arrive.
• Continue CPR until the person starts breathing or until help arrives.

5. Place in the Recovery Position if Breathing:

• If the person starts breathing but remains unresponsive, place them in the recovery position. Roll them onto their side, keeping the airway clear by tilting their head back slightly. Monitor their breathing closely until help arrives.

6. Be Aware of Secondary Drowning:

• Even if the person appears to recover, there is still a risk of secondary drowning. This occurs when water left in the lungs causes breathing difficulties or fluid builds up over time. Always seek medical attention after a near-drowning incident, even if the person seems fine.

When to Seek Medical Help

• Always call 999 for any drowning or near-drowning situation. Even if the person appears to recover, they need medical assessment to check for fluid in the lungs or potential secondary drowning.
• Seek help if the person is having difficulty breathing, coughing excessively, or showing signs of confusion or drowsiness after a near-drowning incident.

Prevention of Drowning

• Learn to Swim: Ensuring everyone knows how to swim, especially children, is key to preventing drowning.
• Supervise Children: Never leave children unattended around water, including pools, lakes, or even bathtubs.
• Avoid Alcohol: Avoid consuming alcohol when swimming or engaging in water-related activities.
• Use Life Jackets: Always wear life jackets when boating or engaging in water sports, even if you are a strong swimmer.
• Be Aware of Water Conditions: Know the depth, temperature, and currents of the water before entering. Avoid swimming in rough water or unfamiliar areas.

Key Points to Remember

• Call 999 immediately in the event of a drowning emergency.
• Ensure your own safety before attempting a rescue. Use a flotation device or reach out with a pole or rope if possible.
• Begin CPR if the person is not breathing, alternating between chest compressions and rescue breaths.
• Even if the person appears to recover, seek medical attention to prevent complications like secondary drowning.