This page will help you prepare and act appropriately to assist someone who is drowning.
When Does Drowning Occur?
Drowning occurs when a person is unable to breathe while submerged in water.
The chances of survival from drowning vary: some may survive without complications, while others may experience serious complications or death.
What Are the Symptoms of Drowning?
- Difficulty breathing
- Repeatedly submerging and resurfacing while trying to stay above the water
What Are the Causes of Drowning?
Certain factors can increase the likelihood of drowning, including:
- Children aged 1–4 swimming without supervision
- Individuals with epilepsy or heart disease
- Inability to swim
- Lack of fences or barriers around pools
- Water depth that poses a risk based on age and body size
- Not wearing a life jacket
How Do You Deal with Drowning?
If the drowning person is unconscious but breathing:
- Carefully remove the person from the water and lay them on their back on a flat surface
- Ensure the person is responsive and try to communicate with them
- Check for breathing, and if they are breathing, place them in the recovery position, change their clothes, and keep them warm
- Call for help and contact an ambulance
If the drowning person is unconscious and not breathing:
- Call for help by contacting an ambulance; follow the instructions immediately
- Tilt the person's head back by placing one hand on the forehead and the other under the chin to open the airway
- Perform mouth-to-mouth resuscitation by giving five slow breaths while monitoring breathing.
- Administer 30 chest compressions decisively in the center of the chest.
- Repeat two rescue breaths followed by 30 chest compressions until the person improves or help arrives
Emergency Numbers In Gulf Countries:
Oman: 9999
Saudi Arabia: 997
Kuwait: 112
Qatar: 999
UAE: 998
Bahrain: 999
Yemen: 195
