Timing is critical when it comes to saving your child from a near drowning (submersion) experience. If enough oxygen is not being delivered to his brain, severe damage can occur within a few minutes. If her heart has stopped beating for more than eight to 10 minutes, her chances of surviving are greatly reduced.
How do you know your child is drowning?
Drowning can happen in as little as 20 seconds, even in water that is only inches deep. Most childhood drowning or near-drowning cases occur in backyard pools, bath tubs, and inflatable pools. Natural bodies of water, toilets, and drainage sites are other places where drowning can occur. Be sure to monitor your child at all times when he is in, or near, water. Also, watch for signs of drowning because a child in distress may not be able to yell for help. These signs may include:
- head tilted back with mouth open
- floating face down
- trying to swim in a particular direction and not making any progress
- gasping for air
Putting yourself at risk trying to save your child
It is important that you do not put your life in danger trying to rescue your child. If your child is in a swimming pool, lay belly-down close to its edge and reach for him with your arms. If a life-saving ring is nearby, use it to pull your child to safety. If your only option is to enter the water, bring a flotation device with you. This can be a life-jacket or even a pool noodle. When you are safely out of the water, begin CPR right away.
CPR
CPR stands for cardiopulmonary resuscitation. CPR is an emergency procedure that involves a combination of chest compressions and rescue breaths (mouth-to-mouth resuscitation).
Giving CPR to your child
Check to see if your child is responsive by tapping him on the shoulder and asking loudly, “Are you OK?” If he does not answer, call 9-1-1 right away. If you are not alone, have someone call for you.
If he does answer, quickly check to see if he has any injuries. If he needs medical attention, have someone call 9-1-1 right away. If you are alone, make sure your child is breathing before you leave to call 9-1-1.
Check for breathing
Check for breathing by watching his chest for any movement. You can also place your ear over his mouth to listen and feel for breathing. If your child is unconscious and not breathing, call 9-1-1 right away. If you are not alone, have someone call for you.
Chest compressions
Begin CPR by laying your child down on a firm, flat surface. If you think your child has suffered a neck injury, place a rolled towel or newspaper behind his neck. Place the heel of your hand over the lower third of his breastbone and give him 30 quick chest compressions. Be sure to push hard enough so his chest moves approximately two inches down. This will get the blood flowing to his brain and other vital organs. |
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Rescue breaths
Open the airway
After the first 30 chest compressions, place your one hand on his forehead. Place two fingers under the tip of his chin and gently tilt his neck back. This will open his airway. |
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Begin rescue breathing
Pinch his nose and place your mouth over his mouth and give two slow breaths. Make sure you see his chest rise with each breath. |
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Repeat
Repeat this cycle of 30 chest compressions and two breaths every two minutes until the ambulance arrives or your child starts breathing again. |
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For more information on how to give your child CPR, please see CPR (Child): First Aid.
Recovery position
It is common for your child to vomit and find it difficult to breathe after CPR. Simply put your child in a recovery position, with his face pointing slightly down. Make sure nothing is blocking or covering his mouth and nose. The recovery position will help keep his airway open. |
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For more information on the recovery position, please see Recovery Position: First Aid at Home.
Delayed drowning
Delayed drowning happens when a child dies from complications after a near-drowning experience. This can occur one to 24 hours after the rescue. Seek medical attention right away if you see any of these signs in your child:
- persistent coughing
- difficulty breathing
- tiredness
- decreased activity
- mental confusion
- blue colouration on skin and lips
- loss of consciousness
- loss of bowel or bladder control
Key points
- Drowning can occur in as little as 20 seconds.
- Don’t put your life at risk trying to save your child. If you must enter the water to perform a rescue, bring a flotation device with you.
- If your child is unconscious and not breathing, call 9-1-1 right away.
- Delayed drowning can occur one to 24 hours after a near-drowning rescue. Be sure to monitor your child, and seek medical attention right away if your child loses consciousness or has difficulty breathing.