Helping someone in trouble without becoming a second casualty

Every year people drown while trying to save someone else. The bravest thing you can do is often to stay on dry land, raise the alarm and throw something that floats.

The golden rule: do not go in

• The Scottish Water Safety Code says: if you see someone in trouble, do not enter the water.
• The American Red Cross rule, reported by NBC, is 'reach or throw, don't go', because entering the water can cause the rescuer to drown too.
• NOAA and the US National Weather Service give the same advice for rip currents: do not try to rescue the person yourself.
• Abu Dhabi Civil Defence warns people who are not strong swimmers not to attempt rescues.
• Even trained lifeguards use equipment. Without training and kit, going in is a gamble with two lives.

Step 1: call for help

• Shout for a lifeguard first if there is one nearby.
• In the UAE, call 999 (police) or 998 (ambulance); the UAE Government portal also lists 996 for the coastguard.
• In the UK, RLSS UK and the RNLI say call 999 or 112. For the coast ask for the coastguard; for inland water the Scottish Water Safety Code says ask for the Fire and Rescue Service.
• Give your exact location: beach name, nearest lifeguard tower, landmark or pin from your phone map.
• If someone else is with you, one person calls while the other keeps watching the casualty.

Step 2: reach or throw

• Look for a life ring or throw line. The Scottish Water Safety Code says to use it while you wait for emergency services.
• No equipment? Throw anything that floats: a cool box, a bodyboard, a football, an empty sealed bottle.
• If the person is close to the edge, reach with a pole, towel or branch while you lie down so you are not pulled in.
• Abu Dhabi Civil Defence suggests a rope or plank for muddy wadi pools.

Step 3: talk them into floating

• RLSS UK's Water Safety Code says: if you fall in, float or swim on your back.
• Shout simple instructions: 'Lean back. Spread your arms and legs. Float.'
• Keep pointing to the person so rescuers can find them quickly, and never take your eyes off them.
• Reassure them that help is coming. Calm people use less energy.

After they are out

• If the person is not breathing normally, call for an ambulance and start CPR if you are trained. The American Red Cross advises beginning CPR while waiting for emergency services.
• Anyone who has inhaled water or been unconscious should be checked by a medical professional.
• For CPR and recovery position steps, see the First Aid and Emergencies module.
• Look after yourself too: seeing a near-drowning is frightening. Talk to someone you trust afterwards.