Table of Contents
- How do I recognize if someone is drowning?
- How can I help as a swimmer?
- What to do if the person has been brought to the shore?
- How can I prevent drowning accidents?
- How to Help a Drowning Person
On hot summer days, many people cool off in lakes and rivers, but swimming trips often end tragically. At least 378 people drowned in Germany in 2023, according to the German Life-Saving Association (DLRG). Most of the drowning victims are men. Non-swimmers are not the only ones at risk. Overestimating one's abilities, drinking alcohol, or experiencing sudden dizziness can make water dangerous. When people drown, it doesn't look like it does in Hollywood movies.
How do I recognize if someone is drowning?
"Drowning often doesn't look like drowning. People often swim normally, then suddenly disappear," says Horst Auer of the Bavarian German Life-Saving Association (DLRG) to "Bavarian Broadcasting". Drowning people do not shout for help or flail wildly. They lack the strength. Drowning people can only stay afloat for 20 to 60 seconds before their strength completely fades and they sink, according to the DLRG local group Ubstadt-Weiher.
Signs of drowning:
- The head repeatedly dips underwater
- The mouth is at water level and frequently below it
- The arms are extended to the sides and paddle helplessly
- The legs are not used
- Breathing is rapid
- The person moves in place
- Hair hangs over the eyes and forehead and is not pushed away
- The gaze is empty and unfocused, or the eyes are closed
How can I help as a swimmer?
If you suspect someone is in danger in the water, call the emergency services immediately on the number 112. Also, inform local lifeguards as soon as possible. Note the location in the water and describe it as accurately as possible to the rescuers.
Swimmers can throw buoyant objects like a life jacket or a rescue ring to the drowning person. Throwing a towel or clothing into the water can also be helpful, so rescue services can find the drowning person more easily in flowing water. You can also speak to the drowning person and try to calm them down.
Only experienced swimmers should rescue drowning people. A swimming badge alone is not enough. "The basic rule is: Your own danger must be excluded," says Horst Auer of DLRG Bavaria to "Bavarian Broadcasting". "A drowning person will grab onto anything that promises support. Try to calm the person down first and then bring them to the shore," Auer continues. The risk of the drowning person clinging to the rescuer and pulling them underwater is otherwise great. When swimming back to land, it's important to keep the head of the person being rescued above water.
Lifeguards master various techniques to pull drowning people out of the water. The simplest grips can also be used by laypeople: In the head tow, the rescuers grab the head of the drowning person from behind with both hands, without pressing on the neck. In the armpit tow, the rescuers grab under the armpits from behind. Both people are in the back position. This only works if the rescuers are good backstroke swimmers and the drowning person is calm.
Check consciousness: Tap and gently shake the shoulders.Check breathing: Extend the head, listen, look, and feel for up to ten seconds.Breathing is normal: Place the person in the recovery position. Monitor breathing until emergency services arrive. Cover the person with a blanket to prevent hypothermia in cold outdoor temperatures. Protect from direct sunlight in warm temperatures.No breathing: Begin CPR immediately, performing chest compressions and rescue breaths. Repeat until emergency services arrive or the person shows signs of life.
How can I prevent drowning?
Most people drown in Germany in rivers, canals, and lakes because water currents are often underestimated. "In view of the upcoming bathing season, the DLRG advises avoiding these waters and spending leisure time at supervised bathing areas," urged Ute Vogt, President of the DLRG, when presenting the 2023 drowning statistics.
Swimmers should avoid overestimating their abilities. Those who want to swim should refrain from alcohol and other drugs before entering the water. If feeling uncomfortable or starting to feel cold, leave the water. Do not swim long distances alone. And: Parents should not let their children out of their sight – swimming wings do not protect against drowning.
Swimmers should be aware that many drowning incidents occur in rivers, canals, and lakes in Germany, where water currents can be underestimated. According to the German Life-Saving Association (DLRG), 378 people drowned in Germany in 2023, highlighting the importance of water safety.
