Emergency

Drowning

Get the person out of the water safely without putting yourself at risk, call 999, and start CPR if they are not breathing normally.

When to call 999. Call 999 for anyone who has been rescued from drowning, even if they seem to recover, as breathing problems can develop hours later. Start CPR immediately if they are unresponsive and not breathing normally.

Written by Meds Global Health Clinical Team · Clinically reviewed by Dr Muhammad Suffyan, MB BS, Founder & Clinical Director · Last reviewed · How we review

What to do

  1. Do not enter the water unless it is safe — reach or throw something to the person, or call for trained rescuers.
  2. Once out of the water, check whether they are responsive and breathing normally.
  3. Call 999.
  4. If they are not breathing normally, start CPR. For drowning, giving 5 initial rescue breaths before compressions is recommended if you are trained and willing.
  5. If they are breathing, place them in the recovery position and keep them warm.
  6. Remove wet clothing where possible and cover them to prevent them getting cold.

Avoid

What not to do

Do not put yourself in danger by entering deep, cold or fast water — many rescuers drown trying to help. Do not assume someone is fine after a near-drowning; do not delay calling 999 even if they seem recovered.

Afterwards and while you wait

Everyone rescued from drowning should be assessed by medical staff, because water in the lungs can cause breathing problems (sometimes called secondary drowning) hours later. Keep the person warm and monitor their breathing closely until help arrives.

Education and reference only. This is general first-aid information aligned with UK guidance, not a substitute for a hands-on first-aid course or professional emergency care. In a life-threatening emergency, call 999 straight away.

Answers

Drowning: frequently asked questions

Why go to hospital if the person seems fine after being rescued?

Breathing complications from inhaled water can develop several hours later, so anyone rescued from drowning should be checked by medical staff even if they appear to have fully recovered.

Should I jump in to save someone?

Only if you can do so safely. Many would-be rescuers drown. Reach out with an object, throw something that floats, or call for trained help rather than entering dangerous water yourself.

Related

Other emergency first aid

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Sources

Where this is drawn from

  • NHS — first aid
  • St John Ambulance / British Red Cross first-aid guidance
  • Resuscitation Council UK (where relevant)

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