Every summer, millions of Americans head to pools, lakes, rivers and beaches to cool off. But water demands respect. More than 4,000 people die from unintentional drowning each year in the United States – an average of about 11 deaths every day – making drowning one of the leading causes of accidental death in the country. And this worrying number is increasing, making the above prevention tips even more necessary.
The first step to saving someone from drowning is to recognize what drowning really looks like. The signs are often much calmer and less dramatic than Hollywood would have you believe. A drowning person usually cannot wave, scream, or call for help; His entire focus is on trying to keep his face above water. Once you recognize an emergency, resist the tendency to jump after them immediately. A frightened drowning person may instinctively grab, climb on, and push down his rescuer in an attempt to escape, putting both lives at risk. (Dozens of bystanders/civilian rescuers die from this cause each year.)
Water rescue professionals now teach a simple outline: Reach, throw, line up, go. In short, do whatever you can to save someone. Without Entering the water yourself. The illustrated guide above walks you through each step.
