How to save a drowning man, and not to drown himself: the instructions from the lifeguard

How to understand that a person is drowning

A drowning man does not behave like in the movies - he is not waving his hands and yelling, "Help!" This I told American lifeguard Francesco Pia. He introduced the concept of "instinctive reaction drowning." On her show the following signs:

• His mouth then goes under the water, it appears on the surface, but he can not breathe and call for help. That they are drowning, usually in silence.
• Drowning not waving - his hands stretched to the sides. It does this instinctively, trying to push off from the water and float.
• He can not make meaningful movement: grab the rescue circle or to reach out to those who came to the rescue.
• While shown instinctive reaction drowning, the person is in the water vertically. Hold at the surface it may from 20 to 60 seconds. And then it goes away entirely under water.

Those who scream, call for help, waving their hands, also need assistance. But this is a completely different stage - panic in the water. It can be preceded by drowning instinctive reaction and is usually short. But in this case, drowning can still help their rescuers. For example, to lend a hand or grab the circle.

Sometimes, the main sign that a person is drowning, is its difference from drowning. It seems as if he just kept on the water and looks at you. Ask if everything in his order. And if he does not respond, you have less than 30 seconds to pull it out.

Mario Vuitton, lifeguard

There are other signs that the people urgently need help:

• His head thrown back, mouth open.
• Closed or glass eyes, that no matter what do not focus.
• Trying to roll over on his back.
• Movement, reminiscent of climbing a rope ladder.

If you find a man with an instinctive reaction drowning, you can not hesitate. For such cases, Francesco Pia developed a technique called Pia Carry. To have to swim to the victim from behind and below, to clasp her waist with one hand, push the head and shoulders of the sinking of the water, and a second hand paddle to shore.

How not to drown himself

The body is lighter than water, so it is usually drown when panic. Try to experiment.

Immerse yourself in the shallow water, podozhmite feet. You will feel the water pushes you up. Remember this feeling.

Roll over on your back and relax. The head can be completely submerged. The main thing is to remain on the surface of the nose and mouth.

Tranquility - a guarantee that you are not even being able to swim well, will be able to survive in the water for quite a long time.

If you are still panicked:

• Do not raise your hands up, do not beat them on the water. Move them in the water column itself: in this case it is easier to keep your head on the surface.
• Move your feet as if you are walking down the street.
• When the first chance to enter the lungs the maximum amount of air. The body will immediately become easier. And try to relax.

What is worth remembering entry into the water

1. never swim drunk. Especially lying on mattresses or inflatable circles.

2. Remember that during the hottest hours (from 12.00 to 16.00) in the water can get sunstroke and lose consciousness. Do not take chances.

3. Do not swim alone, especially in unfamiliar waters. Let Proximity will always be those who follow you will see and, if necessary, will help.

4. If you swam away and tired, rest. Roll over on your back, relax, have a rest in the form of "stars." After the restore breathing, slowly move toward the shore.

5. If you takes over, do not resist: wait until it weakens and gradually move toward the shore.

very dangerous reverse flow (Rip current). They arise from the coast and lead directly into the open sea or ocean. Such currents can carry from the shore a few hundred meters. The best tactic - do not swim against the tide, and parallel to the shore. Usually rips have a width of several meters, so that out of them easy. Save power.

6. If cramped muscles, act vigorously:

• Hip spasm can be removed if the bent leg at the knee and press your heel to the buttock.
• Abdominal muscles to relax, if you tighten the legs to the stomach.
• Mixed by calf muscle will help to move forward: pull the leg out of the water and pull the foot hands to yourself.
• Cramp brush pass, if several times dramatically compress and unclench his fingers.

Calmness and awareness - the main helpers in extreme situations on the water. Always remember this.

see also

• What to do if you are choking, and near no one →
• How to survive in a car accident →
• How to escape from a lightning strike →