Unconscious Victims

• 1). If there is someone with you, send them for help or have them call 911.
  
  
• 2). Get to the victim as quickly as you can. The quicker you can get to the victim, the greater chance he has at survival.
  
  
• 3). Once you have the victim to a dry spot, lay him on his back and try not to move his head or neck excessively.
  
  
• 4). Listen and look for breathing. If the victim has a pulse, begin rescue breathing. You will administer one breath every 6 to 8 seconds. If he does not have a pulse and isn't breathing, immediately begin CPR.
  
  
• 5). Re-assess the victim every few minutes until emergency help arrives.
  
  

Conscious Victims

• 1). Rescuing a conscious, panicking victim may prove to be challenging. Take precautions for your own safety if you have to do this. If you have a second person with you, send him to get help or call 911.
  
  
• 2). Get to the drowning victim as soon and safely as possible. If the victim has a suspected spinal or neck injury, keep him in the water as long as it isn't freezing or a dangerous situation. Carefully float the body on top of the water until further help arrives.
  
  
• 3). Let the victim know that you are trying to help him. If you don't suspect a spinal or neck injury, get the victim to dry land and assess the situation.
  
  
• 4). If the victim is trying to spit up water, turn him over on his left side, also known as the recovery position.
  
  
• 5). If you have the ability to transport the victim to the nearest emergency facility, do so. If not, wait until an emergency team gets out there to help you.
  
  
• 6). Re-assess the situation every couple of minutes until emergency help arrives.
  
  
• 7). If the victim goes into the cardiac arrest, begin CPR.