When You See Someone Drowning

If you see someone you suspect is drowning, alert trained rescuers or emergency services immediately. React quickly, because it can take less than a minute for a victim to sink below the water.

If possible do not take your eyes off the drowning victim or leave to get help.

Take note: Your organization should also have established procedures for you to follow in such an emergency.

You should never attempt to get in the water to rescue someone if at all possible. In far too many situations, untrained rescuers are themselves drowned while trying to help a drowning person. Leave rescues to trained professionals; even they can be endangered by conscious persons that panic and hinder rescue efforts.

Your organization may provide emergency procedures and rescue equipment for you and your co-workers to use when necessary, which could include tossing a floatation device or using a reaching pole (like a shepherd's crook), if the person is close enough.

The objective is to get the person out of the water and onto a solid surface as quickly as possible, so CPR can be started if necessary.

To learn more about Water Safety & Drowning Hazards visit our Water Safety & Drowning Hazards Online Training web page.