What Should You Do When You Begin to Drown? The Answer Can Save Your Life!

So many of us spend their holidays at the sea or a lake. Unfortunately, summer often makes us forget about safety which leads to a large number of drownings.

What should you do when you drown? How can you save yourself when there is no lifeguard around?

People in movies scream and wave their hands intensively, striving to remain on the surface. The truth is different. The person who is drowning desperately tries to catch a breath so they don’t call for help or use their energy to wave arms. They drown in silence. That is why we often fail to notice that someone is drowning nearby. When you find yourself in such a situation, there are a few critical things you must remember.

First and foremost, no matter how hard it is, stay calm. Remember that our body consists mainly of water which means that sooner or later you will float on the surface. Try to turn on your back (so that you will see the sky) or take on the embryo position. Water will push you upwards with your head up. The more of your body remains immersed, the stronger you will be pushed upwards. On the other hand, if you lift your legs out of the water, your head will begin to go down

Of course it’s easier said than done when you read about it. Once it happens, most of us begin to panic and forget any survival hints. That is why whenever you want to go into a lake or sea, make sure there is a lifeguard around and that they can possibly see you in case of trouble. This is how you increase your chances of survival. Having fun in water without any guard, means you are putting your life at risk as other people may simple not manage to save you.

Never should you drink any alcohol before going swimming! These two just don’t go together. Drunk people make up the majority among all drowned casualties.

Even if you are a very good swimmer, water can sometimes pull you down. Unexpected currents or high waves may drag you down in a blink of an eye. So do not show off. Whenever you go swimming in an unguarded spot, always wear a lifejacket.

Also, do not try to save a drowning person on your own. When they panic, they can pull you down and you will both die tragically. Instead of your hand, give them a lifebuoy, a buoy or anything that will keep them on water. To pull that person to safety, use a branch or even clothes. Ask one person to call emergence. If there are more people, try to from a so-called ‘human-chain’.