In such a situation, the first principle of first aid is of particular importance. Inspecting the scene to identify real and potential threats plays an important role. It should be understood that a drowning person acts unconsciously and instinctively. That is why, when trying to help a drowning person, you should never swim close to him. Even if the injured child is your friend or loved one, he can cling to you with a death grip and will pull you under the water. In this case, not only will you not be able to help, but you yourself may drown. Even professional rescuers are taught how to approach a drowning person with great caution, holding some object in their hands so that the drowning person can grab onto it.
Ways to help a drowning person
There are different ways to help a drowning person, but none of them can be universal (see Fig. 14-4). When making a decision, you should choose the riskiest one that you can use in a given situation. The following methods are arranged in order of increasing complexity. Always start with the simplest, and if you fail, think twice before taking on more risky actions.
Verbal method
From a safe place, tell the victim clearly, concisely and concisely what he should do and how he should do it, and use words of encouragement. Try to look the victim in the eyes at all times.
Throwing method
If the victim is not far from you and there is an appropriate floating object at hand, throw it so that the victim can grab onto it.
Extraction method
If you have an object on hand, such as a paddle or rope, tie it to the watercraft and hand it or throw it to the victim. At the same time, do not forget to secure yourself well in place so that when removing the victim from the water, the center of gravity of your body is located below.
Entry into shallow water
If a person is in distress in shallow water, you may be able to wade towards him and give him a life-saving aid. Stand firmly on the bottom, hold on to some support with one hand, such as a dock structure, and extend a long pole to the victim. If there are a lot of people present, it is possible to assemble a living chain of them.
Using a boat
Try approaching a drowning person in a small boat so as to throw him some kind of floating object or drag a pole. After this, you need to decide whether you will pull the victim or try to pull him into the boat. Decisions must be made taking into account the weight of the victim, his condition, the stability of the boat, etc. Never stand upright in a boat while rescuing a drowning person.
Rescue by swimming
If the situation is such that you have to swim to get to the drowning person, take some kind of life-saving equipment with you. To reduce the risk, do not swim towards the victim, stop at a distance from him and extend the flotation device. Hold the rescue device between you and the victim and maintain visual and vocal contact with him. Encourage the victim, try to get him to work with his legs while you pull him to the shore with the help of a flotation device.
Towing the victim
When attempting a swim rescue, the victim may not be able to use their legs to help you. In this situation, you have to pull it with a towing device (for example, rope, towel), and you must hold on to the opposite end of this object. In this case, you may find yourself very close to

the victim. Be aware of your safety and be prepared to move away as soon as the victim tries to grab onto you.
Transporting a drowning person
If other methods cannot be used, you may have to hold the victim's head above the water by grasping the flotation device. If the victim is unconscious, he does not pose much of a threat to you. Using a life-saving device, swim with him to the shallows, from there you can move him to a safe place. At the same time, never forget about personal safety. If you feel yourself losing control of your movements, temporarily move away from the drowning person and then resume the action.