Should Bystanders Participate in a Water Rescue Attempt?

When to Call for Help

When a person is struggling in the water, it’s crucial to act quickly but safely. If you’re not trained in water rescue techniques, don’t risk your own life trying to save the person. Call 911 or your local emergency number instead. If you’re in a remote area with no phone signal, try to find a way to signal for help or get to a nearby boat or shore. The average response time for emergency services is around 8-10 minutes, and every minute counts in preventing permanent brain damage from drowning.

Water Rescue Techniques

If you do decide to enter the water, make sure to do so in pairs. This is known as a " buddy system," and it’s essential for your own safety. The first step is to approach the person from the side, not from behind, to avoid being pulled underwater. Use a flotation device, such as a life ring or a rescue tube, to stabilize the person and keep their head above water. Once you have a good grip on the person, start swimming back to shore or a nearby boat, keeping the person’s head above water at all times. If the person is unconscious, start CPR immediately, using a rate of 30 chest compressions to 2 breaths per minute.

CPR and Cold Water Immersion

If the person is unconscious, start CPR immediately. However, cold water immersion can affect the body’s ability to recover from cardiac arrest. In cold water (below 50°F or 10°C), the body’s heart rate slows down, and blood vessels constrict, making it more difficult to restart the heart. To counteract this, use a rate of 30 chest compressions to 2 breaths per minute, and try to keep the person’s head above water to prevent hypothermia. Remember, CPR should only be performed by someone who is certified in the technique, and it’s essential to continue CPR until emergency services arrive or the person shows signs of regaining consciousness.