Drowning doesn't look like drowning

[rogerbum]

Re-posting info from a link a fishing forum I read. Useful information to read about what it really looks like when someone is drowning.

[potter water]

I'd never have guessed the information the was in the link. I've always assumed the drowning person had control, but just no energy or skills.

Good information.

[colobear]

Decades ago I was a surf lifeguard at Huntington Beach California and pulled literally hundreds of people from the water. Most had not yet gotten to the stage this very good post describes because we learned to see the signs of an impending crisis and went to the swimmer before they actually started drowning. The post is right, the only time I can recall seeing the classic "help me I'm drowning" scenario was when the victim sank to the bottom, pushed off hard and got high enough above the surface to yell. The biggest cause of rescues was inflatables and poor swimmers in ocean currents. They'd get knocked off the raft, couldn't catch up to it or re-board and get thrown around in the surf. I hate to see people on surf mats, etc. who are obviously inexpert in the water.

[JamesTXSD]

And even worse in cold water (like in the PNW). When you first hit the water, the shock of the cold water causes you to gasp in - immediately swallowing water, making the situation dire.

Even when you get someone out of the water, hypothermia and shock are serious concerns.

[thataway]

As well as the gasp reflex, there can be massive vasoconstriction, and sudden cardiac arrest. In any case, CPR must be started ASAP, since some victims may appear to be dead, yet may have severe bradycardia and peripheral vascular constriction, and are likely to respond to prompt CPR.

In Florida, (as in many coastal areas) one of the most common causes of drowning is rip currents. A member of THT and his wife were caught in a rip current off the coast of the Carolinas a few weeks ago--He survived, she did not.

There is also the issue, that unless you are a trained water life saver, you may be putting yourself at great risk by going into the water. If possible save the person from a boat, and take care not to make the situation worse.

[hardee]

First rule of life saving -- you can not save anybody if you yourself are in trouble. Save yourself first. Reach, Stretch, Throw before you (consider), GO.

And Barry is right, no need to wait for the "Help, I'm drowning" sign.

Thanks for posting this one. A good refresher.

Harvey
SleepyC