Drowning is a leading cause of accidental injury-related death, particularly among children under five years old. Over 4,500 individuals drown annually in the U.S., according to the latest statistics. Having knowledge of what to do in an emergency, including how to give CPR correctly, could literally be a lifesaver for a victim.
Knowing About Drowning and Its Effects
Drowning is the process by which a person’s airway is submerged in water, thereby cutting off oxygen supply to the lungs. Initially, the airway will automatically shut off to avoid water entering the lungs but, in the process, it cuts off the airway from breathing. When oxygen supply is reduced, the victim becomes unconscious, and without any treatment administered, cardiac arrest occurs as a result of hypoxia (oxygen deficiency).
Unlike other cardiac arrests, drowning accidents entail a unique method of performing CPR since the primary cause is oxygen deficiency. Performing mouth-to-mouth resuscitation and chest compressions is crucial in such cases.
Typical Drowning Accidents Locations
Drowning accidents can happen anywhere water is available, but they most frequently happen in:
- Residential Swimming Pools – The leading cause of death from drowning among young children. Fenced or not supervised pools are especially dangerous.
- Lakes, Rivers, and Oceans – Natural bodies of water present unique hazards, including strong currents, deep areas, and low visibility.
- Bathtubs – Young children and infants can drown in a few inches of water, typically in a matter of seconds when left unattended.
- Public Pools and Water Parks – Crowding and distraction in spite of the presence of lifeguards can lead to accidents.
- Hot Tubs and Spas – They are dangerous, particularly for kids and the elderly.
How California Prepares for Drowning Accidents
California’s long coast and many swimming pools have led it to implement a number of initiatives that encourage water safety:
- Lifeguard Training Courses – California State Park lifeguards are given rigorous training and certification to national safety standards. As many other occupations, lifeguards need to be CPR certified, and in the LA area, most of them enroll in a course with Coast2Coast First Aid & Safety Training.
- Junior Lifeguard Courses – Many beaches and local communities offer training for children and teenagers, teaching ocean safety and rescue techniques.
- Public Awareness Campaigns – Statewide initiatives inform families on the safety of the water, such as always-supervised contact, pool fencing, and swim classes for children.
- Emergency Preparedness in Hospitals – Several of the major Los Angeles hospitals have facilities to treat drowning victims, including Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center, LAC+USC Medical Center, and Cedars-Sinai Medical Center.
Understanding Ocean Safety: Lifeguards and Beach Flags
The ocean could be dangerous, so it is important to learn how to handle emergencies:
- Lifeguard Availability – Swim near a lifeguard station at all times. Lifeguards are trained to recognize signals of distress and perform water rescues.
- Beach Flag System – Beaches use a colored flag system to indicate conditions:
- Red Flag – High risk (powerful currents and dangerous surf).
- Yellow Flag – Medium risk (moderate currents and surf).
- Green Flag – Low risk (trouble-free conditions, but still with caution).
- Purple Flag – Marine hazard (jellyfish, sharks, or other dangerous animals in the water).
- Rip Currents – One of the most common causes of ocean drownings. If swept into one, swim parallel to shore away from current, then return to shore.
Register for CPR or First Aid Training
CPR for Drowning Victims: Step-by-Step Guide
When an unresponsive drowning victim is encountered, instant response is crucial. Progress through the steps:
- Make Sure It’s Safe and Call for Assistance
- Pull the person from the water if safe to do so.
- Call 911 immediately or summon a lifeguard.
- Check for Breathing and Pulse
- Lay the victim on their back on a flat, hard surface.
- Tilt their head back to open their airway and listen for breathing sounds.
- If they are not breathing but have a pulse, begin rescue breathing.
- If no pulse is found, begin CPR immediately.
- Begin Rescue Breathing
- Pin nose closed and take two slow breaths into mouth, watching for rise in the chest.
- Reposition head if chest does not rise and try again.
- Perform Chest Compressions
- If victim does not have a pulse, initiate CPR with compressions.
- Both hands should go in the middle of the chest (use only one hand for small children).
- Do 30 compressions to the depth of approximately two inches (one-third the baby’s chest depth).
- Do two rescue breaths, repeating cycles of 30 compressions and two breaths.
- Apply an AED if available
- Dry the victim’s chest prior to applying AED pads.
- Utilize the directions on the equipment to check for heart rhythm and deliver a shock if necessary.
- Resume CPR Until Arrival of Help
- Don’t discontinue CPR until the victim regains consciousness or emergency responders reach the scene.
The Importance of Timely CPR and Bystander Resuscitation
Timely CPR can significantly improve survival opportunities. Studies have found that when bystanders do CPR immediately, drowning victims are far more likely to survive. In one study in the United States, 79% of drowning victims receiving bystander CPR survived hospital discharge.
Prevention Tips: How to Reduce Drowning Risks
- Supervision is the Key – Always closely watch children around water, even if they are strong swimmers.
- Install Pool Barriers – A self-latching fence gate can prevent accidental pool use when no adult is present.
- Teach Swimming Skills Early – Enroll children in swimming classes as early as possible.
- Learn CPR – Learning CPR in a course can inform you of what to do in case of emergencies.
- Follow Beach and Pool Safety Rules – Heed lifeguard instructions and warning signs that alert you to dangers.
A Preventable Tragedy
Drowning is a fatal accident that has to be treated right away as soon as it occurs. Understanding the right CPR and water safety precautions can mean the difference between life and death. Preparedness and watchfulness are necessary while at the swimming pool, sea, or lake to prevent accidents of drowning.
Take the initiative to take a CPR class and learn how to be water-safe—it can be the difference between life or death for a person in distress.
Coast2Coast First Aid and Safety Training provides CPR certification in Los Angeles, equipping individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to respond effectively to drowning emergencies. Get certified today and be prepared to save a life.
