“TOOL BOX”

SAFETY MEETING

WHAT TO DO FOR A DROWNING VICTIM

MAIN POINTS

Summertime is here. Now that it is we should all be more aware of water safety.
Whatever the season, people who work or play near the water – at a lake, river, or
swimming pool – should be alert to the potential for drowning and know what to do in an
emergency.

Drowning kills about 2,700 Canadians each year. You can help reduce that number and
you don’t have to be a lifeguard to do so.

The National Safety Council lists four basic steps you can take to help a person who is
distressed in the water – even if you’re a poor swimmer or a non-swimmer: reach,
throw, row, and go.

REACH. The easiest method to save drowning victims, and the one you should try first,
is to reach for them. Use a lightweight pole, long stick or ladder – anything that can
extend your reach. Once you’ve snared the person, make sure your footing is secure
and, if possible, ask a bystander to hold onto your waist for added stability. Keep talking
to the person in the water while you pull them out. It will calm you both.

THROW. If you cannot reach the person, determine whether you can throw them
something that floats – a large plastic container, a life jacket, or a floatation cushion. If
rope is available, tie it so you can you can get back if you throw poorly.

ROW. If the victim is still out of reach and a boat, canoe, boogie board or some such
thing is available; you might try to “go” to them. If you’re in a rowboat, you must keep
them in sight; turn around often to get a fix on them. And when you do get to the victim,
don’t try to pull them in over the side of the boat – this could cause it to capsize. Pull
them in at the stern or the rear end.

GO. If none of these techniques work, you must determine whether you are a strong
enough swimmer to enter the water and go to the drowning person. Be aware that
doing this could put you at great risk. Don’t overestimate your abilities and become a
victim yourself. You should attempt to go to the person only if you have been trained in
lifesaving techniques.

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 WHAT TO DO FOR A DROWNING VICTIM

DISCUSSION

 Any comments on what we have discussed so far?

 Any experiences to share?

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