How to Rescue a Drowning Victim

With the rampant typhoons and cyclones happening in our country, it is unavoidable not to flood or for the water to rise up in habited areas. Such as the recent super typhoon Yolanda (international name Haiyan) that hit our country two weeks ago, and is considered as the strongest typhoon that ever landed on planet for this year. With these kinds of disaster happening, it is important to know some life-saving  rescue tips in deep water, just in case we happen to be in such situation. We don’t want to lose anybody around with the catastrophe. So, you and I might just be able to save one soul!

1. Determine whether the person is drowning by looking for signs. Drowning victims may not thrash their arms and splash around in the water; in fact, they tend to be quiet, making the situation all that much more dangerous. Here are the signs: a) The person is not making forward progress, but is bobbing vertically in the water.  b)The person’s head goes from being submerged in the water to only briefly coming out before going under again. c) The person is unable to call for help. Someone who looks as though they’re having trouble, but isn’t yelling for help, may not have enough oxygen to call out. c) The person is floating face-down. This would not be considered an active drowning victim, but a passive one; when someone is unconscious, a different rescue method is required. In this case, call emergency services immediately.
2. Decide which rescue method to use. Remain calm and figure out how you can best rescue the person in need. If a person is close enough to grab an arm, leg, paddle, shirt, or other similar item, perform a reaching assist. Use a ring buoy or other easy to throw rescue device to reach a victim further away from the safe area; this is also used in an ocean rescue. Dive into the water and swim to the victim as a last resort, when the victim is out of reach.
3. Proceed with the rescue. Stay calm and focused. People who panic are more likely to make mistakes and may also stress out the victim. Call to the victim that you’re coming to his or her aid.

Source: www.wikihow.com/Save-an-Active-Drowning-Victim

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