[parfe]

A drowning person will endanger his rescuer by instinctively climbing onto the highest point available (the rescuer's head).

If you see someone drowning, alert a lifeguard if possible. Depending on the situation, the proper action might require the rescuer to counter intuitively drag the person under water. On the other hand, if no life guard is present, don't just let someone drown, but saving them is a risk.

source: I was a "victim" for lifeguard training.

[qrybam]

Agreed - saw this happen on a boat. People were diving from the boat into the sea. One fairly large guy who couldn't swim decided it looked like fun and followed suit.

At first no one realised how bad the situation was, with the next person jumping soon after. Within 20-30 seconds someone asked "hey, is he drowning?" and 4 guys (not trained as lifeguards) swam over and struggled to keep him afloat, even with a dozen foam float "sticks", he almost took them all down with him. He was quiet, there wasn't much splashing, he was trying to keep afloat with his arms and wasn't kicking with his legs at all.

It was scary and in retrospect hilarious; the guy has since gained a legendary status in the office although it could have turned out very differently - possible nomination for a Darwin award.

[hluska]

Just curious...let's say that you see someone drowning, you aren't a trained lifeguard, and there aren't any lifeguards around. Could an untrained person rescue that person safely? Any tips?

[parfe]

First, the primary job for any rescuer is to not become another victim.

Be prepared for a violent altercation with the victim. The person is dying and not thinking normally. Don't be afraid to hurt the person to protect yourself.

If the situation is too much, back off and wait for the victim to lose consciousness. Pulling a drowning person from the water takes more than just strong swimming.

And again, I was only the dummy for real life guards so I basically got to act the worst possible situation. I'm sure some rescues look just like Baywatch portrays.

[ars]

Is it a good idea to approach from behind and force the parson to lay back on you? (A headlock basically.) This gets their mouth out of the water so they can breath.

Once they breath for a bit they'll calm down and can help in their rescue.

[hluska]

Thanks very much for taking the time to answer this - I feel better knowing more!!

[hbharadwaj]

Depends on the situation.

In a pool environment, always look for objects to throw. These include tubes, life hooks if available. In case you can't reach the victim, swim towards the victim (but don't reach the victim) with these objects and thrust them out. Else, approach the victim from behind and place your arms under the victims armpits. Place the safety apparatus between you and the victim and drag the victim backwards.

In an open environment with no safety apparatus, first panic and worship all the gods you know (No - don't). Then try to alert if possible. Approach the victim from behind (first para approach) and grab under victim armpits. Remember - this is extremely difficult to attempt. The victim could be heavier than you.

2 things that were repeated again and again during my lifeguard training sessions - reassure the victim as much as possible once you are in control. If you can't control the victim during the approach, pull the victim suddenly under the water. That will give the victim a pause and allow you to get free. ( There was a technique taught for that as well - lot of lifeguard manuals available online. I wish lifeguard and CPR was made mandatory at some levels.)

[hluska]

Thanks for taking the time to give out this information - I feel much better having read it. I especially appreciate that you mentioned throwing something to the victim and that you gave me some advice in case I can't control a him/her!

Finally, I agree that CPR and lifeguard training was more common, or even mandatory. I felt sick reading that article and realizing that, in certain emergency situations, I'd have absolutely no idea what to do.

[chrisa]

Try to rescue from afar first - throw a life ring, or anything they can grab on to.

If you must do an in person rescue, always approach from the back. If you come from the front, they'll use you as a "ladder" and climb on you, making it impossible for you to swim.

[hluska]

Thanks for your answer - I felt sick when I read that article and realized that in some emergency situations, I'd have absolutely no idea what to do. Having a drowning person climb on me sounds like a nightmare...not as big of a nightmare as watching someone I care about drown, but still, it sounds very scary...

[paul_f]

One thing we were taught is to pull them by their hair.

[voidlogic]

>On the other hand, if no life guard is present, don't just let someone drown, but saving them is a risk.

If you have to do this, my thought has been it is best to approach the drowning person from behind as to make it harder for them to grasp you in their panic.