Drowning First Aid: What You Need to Know to Save a Life

With World Drowning Prevention Day on 25 July, it’s the perfect time to brush up on essential water safety skills.

Drowning can happen in seconds, and often, without a sound. When it does, knowing how to respond could mean the difference between life and death. That’s why first aid for drowning is a skill everyone should have, especially in South Africa where water-related incidents remain alarmingly high.

“Drowning is one of the most silent and rapid emergencies,” says Murray Hewlett, CEO of Affinity Health. “It often happens without warning, and many people don’t know what to do. But by learning how to recognise the signs and act fast, we can help prevent tragic loss, especially in young children.”

The Drowning Crisis in South Africa

Drowning is one of the leading causes of accidental death among South African children under five. And contrary to what you might expect, it’s often silent, no shouting, splashing, or obvious signs of distress. It can happen in seconds, just metres away from help.

According to the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, South Africa experiences around 1,477 fatal drownings each year. The highest rates are found in:

• Children aged 0–4 years
• Young males aged 15–24
• Males overall are significantly more at risk than females

Would You Know What to Do?

When someone is drowning, every second matters. Here’s what to do, according to Affinity Health:

1. Keep Yourself Safe First

Don’t jump in without assessing the situation. Use a pole, rope, flotation device, or towel to help reach the person. Only enter the water if you’re trained to do so. Shout for help immediately.

2. Get Them Out of the Water

Remove the person as quickly and safely as possible. Be gentle, especially if there’s any chance of a spinal injury from diving or falling.

3. Check for Breathing and Responsiveness

• Not breathing? Start CPR immediately.
• Breathing but unconscious? Place them in the recovery position.
• Conscious? Keep them warm, calm, and still until help arrives.

4. Call Emergency Services

Dial 10177 or 112 from a mobile phone. You can also contact iER (Integrated Emergency Response) via their free app. Be clear about your location and the person’s condition.

5. Start CPR if Necessary

• Begin with 30 chest compressions, followed by 2 rescue breaths (if trained).
• Not trained in mouth-to-mouth? Hands-only CPR is still effective.
• Continue until emergency help arrives or the person regains consciousness.

Important: Even if they seem fine, always seek medical attention. Secondary drowning and lung complications can develop hours later.

Drowning is Silent: Know the Warning Signs

Forget the Hollywood-style thrashing. In real life, drowning is often quiet and easily missed. Be alert for these warning signs:

• Bobbing in the water or struggling to stay upright
• Gasping or head tilted back
• Glassy or unfocused eyes
• Unusual stillness or silence
• Weak or jerky movements

If something doesn’t look right, act immediately; it might save a life.

Water Safety Tips for Parents and Caregivers

With so many drowning incidents involving young children, extra vigilance is key. Here’s how to reduce the risk:

• Never leave children unattended near water, not even for a moment
• Use pool fences, safety covers, and childproof gates
• Teach children to swim from an early age
• Avoid alcohol when supervising or swimming
• Learn CPR and basic first aid
• Be especially cautious near rivers, dams, and remote locations
• Consider enrolling in a certified CPR or first aid course

This World Drowning Prevention Day, Be Prepared

World Drowning Prevention Day, observed annually on 25 July, is a reminder that water safety is everyone’s responsibility. Take a moment to learn the basics, talk to your family about safe habits around water, and make sure you know what to do in an emergency.

It’s quick. It’s simple. And it could save a life, maybe even someone you love.