Emergency Water Safety: What to Do If Someone is Struggling

Water is a source of joy, relaxation, and recreation for many people. Whether it’s swimming in a pool, enjoying the ocean, or kayaking on a lake, water activities are a staple of summer fun.

However, water can also be dangerous, especially when someone is in distress. Knowing how to respond in an emergency can mean the difference between life and death. Water emergencies can happen in the blink of an eye. A child slips into the deep end of a pool, a swimmer gets caught in a rip current, or a boater falls overboard without a life jacket.

According to the World Health Organization, drowning is one of the leading causes of accidental death worldwide. Yet, many of these tragedies are preventable. Emergency preparedness isn’t just about knowing how to swim—it’s about understanding the risks, recognizing the signs of distress, and taking the right actions to help someone in need without putting yourself at risk.

1. Understanding the Signs of Someone Struggling

When it comes to aquatic safety, the first step is recognizing when someone is in trouble. Contrary to what movies often portray, drowning is rarely dramatic or loud. In fact, it’s often completely silent and can happen in seconds. A person who is struggling may not be able to call for help or wave their arms.

Some common signs of drowning or distress include:

• Head tilted back with the mouth at water level
• Eyes wide open, glassy, or unable to focus
• Gasping for air or hyperventilating
• Arms pressing down on the water in a desperate attempt to stay afloat
• Body positioned vertically in the water with little or no leg movement

2. Assessing the Situation Before Taking Action

Before jumping into the water to help, it’s essential to assess the situation carefully. Acting impulsively can put both you and the struggling person at greater risk. Start by evaluating the environment. Is the water calm or rough? Are there strong currents or waves? Are there obstacles like rocks or debris? Understanding the conditions will help you determine the safest way to respond.

Next, consider your own abilities. Are you a strong swimmer? Do you have experience in water rescues? If not, seek help from a trained professional or use a flotation device to assist. Remember, a successful rescue is about helping effectively without becoming a victim yourself. Always call emergency services immediately—time is critical.

3. How to Help Without Endangering Yourself

Once you’ve assessed the situation, it’s time to take action. Direct contact with a drowning person can be extremely dangerous, as panicked individuals may grab onto you and pull you under. Instead, follow these safe rescue steps:

• Reach or Throw, Don’t Go: If the person is close enough, extend a pole, tree branch, or any long object. If they’re farther away, throw a flotation device like a life ring, pool noodle, or cooler lid.
• Use a Flotation Device: If you absolutely must enter the water, always bring a flotation device with you to create a barrier between you and the struggling person.
• Approach from Behind: If physical contact is necessary, approach from behind to avoid being grabbed. Speak calmly and reassure them that help is here.
• Focus on the Airway: The primary goal is to keep the person’s head above water until professional help arrives.

4. What to Do After the Person is Out of the Water

Once the person is safely on land, the rescue process isn’t over. They may need immediate medical attention. Drowning can cause secondary complications, such as water in the lungs or oxygen deprivation.

• Check for Responsiveness: Gently tap the person and ask if they’re okay. If unresponsive, call 911 immediately.
• Monitor Breathing: If they are breathing, place them in the recovery position (on their side) to prevent choking. If they’re not breathing, begin CPR if you’re trained.
• Keep Them Warm: Wet clothing can lead to hypothermia. Cover the person with a blanket or dry towel to retain body heat.
• Stay Calm and Reassuring: The person will likely be in shock. Offer comfort while waiting for paramedics to arrive.

5. Preventing Emergencies Before They Happen

While knowing how to respond is crucial, prevention is always the best approach. By taking proactive steps, you can drastically reduce the risk of accidents:

• Learn to Swim: Ensure everyone in your family knows how to swim.
• Supervise Constantly: Always keep a close eye on children and inexperienced swimmers. Avoid distractions like scrolling on your phone.
• Use Life Jackets: In open water or during boating activities, always wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket.
• Educate Yourself: Take a local course in CPR and basic water rescue techniques.

6. Recognizing Dangerous Water Conditions

Natural bodies of water present unique challenges that pools do not. Understanding these conditions is a critical aspect of staying safe in the open water.

• Rip Currents: These powerful channels of fast-moving water can pull swimmers out to sea. If caught, swim parallel to the shore until you escape the current, then head back to land.
• Sudden Drop-Offs: In lakes and rivers, depth can change unexpectedly. Always enter unfamiliar water feet first.
• Weather Changes: Storms can develop quickly. Check the forecast before heading out and leave the water immediately if conditions worsen.

7. The Role of Technology in Aquatic Safety

Technology can play a significant role in enhancing our safety. From personal flotation devices with built-in GPS to smartphone apps that provide real-time weather updates, there are many tools available.

• Wearable Devices: Smartwatches with safety features can monitor location and send distress alerts.
• Emergency Apps: Apps that provide information on water conditions, nearby lifeguards, and emergency contacts are invaluable.
• Drones for Rescues: In some coastal areas, drones are being used to drop flotation devices to struggling swimmers.

8. Teaching Children About Safety

Children are naturally drawn to water, making it essential to teach them about safety from a young age. Enroll children in swimming lessons as early as possible. Establish strict rules, such as no running near the pool and always swimming with a buddy. Role-play different emergency scenarios so they know exactly what to do if they see someone struggling.