Written & medically reviewed by Dr. Sanjay Anbu, MBBS· Last reviewed
In drowning, the body is starved of oxygen, so rescue breaths are especially important. But never put yourself at risk — reach or throw, don’t go, unless you are trained.
1. Get help and get the person out of the water safely — “reach or throw, don’t go” if untrained.
2. Call emergency services.
3. Check breathing. If absent, give 5 initial rescue breaths, then start CPR (30 compressions : 2 breaths).
4. Do not waste time trying to drain water from the lungs.
5. Remove wet clothes and keep the person warm.
6. Even after recovery, get them checked — water in the lungs can cause problems hours later.
When to see a doctor urgently
Do not enter dangerous water yourself unless trained and safe to do so
Anyone rescued from drowning should be seen by a doctor, even if they seem fine
Watch for breathing difficulty, cough or drowsiness in the hours afterwards
Be careful of a possible neck injury after a dive
Rescue breaths matter in drowning. Unlike a cardiac arrest, drowning is caused by lack of oxygen, so rescue breaths are important. Never risk your own life. Get anyone rescued checked by a doctor. This is not a substitute for emergency care.
Frequently asked questions
Should I try to get water out of the lungs?
No — do not waste time on this. Start rescue breaths and CPR; trying to “drain” water delays the treatment that actually helps.
Do I need a doctor after a near-drowning?
Yes — always. Water in the lungs can cause breathing problems hours later (“secondary drowning”), so get checked even if the person seems recovered.
How is drowning CPR different?
Because drowning is an oxygen problem, give 5 initial rescue breaths before starting the usual 30:2 CPR cycles, if you are willing and able.
Reviewed by Dr. Sanjay Anbu, MBBS. MedDroid is an AI medical assistant and can make mistakes. It provides general health information, not a diagnosis or medical advice — always consult a qualified clinician. In an emergency, contact your local emergency number immediately.