Basic Water Rescue Procedures for Self and Others

Knowledge of some basic water rescue procedures protects swimmers and boaters during water recreation activities. Important concepts include: Someone who is caught in a strong current while swimming can swim gradually out of the current by swimming across it. Swimmers should not try to swim against the current.

When a boater has been knocked overboard or is thrashing in the water, rescuers should look for anything that can be used as a lifeline or float for the person, such as a rope, an oar, a life jacket--anything that floats. Then the rescuer can call for or go for help.

A single rescuer shouldn't attempt rescue on her or his own, as the rescuer might be pulled under by the panicked victim.

If someone appears unconscious in the water, rescuers should first check the scene to make sure its safe for them. Then they can check the victim and call for help.

If rescuers can safely perform the following activities, they should

• Get help to remove the victim from the water.
• Check for consciousness and breathing and heartbeat.
• If not breathing, start CPR.

Precautions when Entering or Being around Water

Knowledge of precautions to take when around water protects swimmers and boaters during water recreation activities. Key concepts include:

Knowing How to Swim

• The American Red Cross offers courses on learning to swim.
• Never swim alone.
• Swim only in supervised areas.

Using Protective Equipment

• Life jackets and wet suits help protect you from the hazards of swimming.
• If you cannot swim, always wear a life jacket when you're around the water.
• Even good swimmers need life jackets when boating, skiing, rafting or using jet skis.
• Wet suits protect you from hypothermia in cold water.

Preventing or Treating Hypothermia

Hypothermia is a condition in which the body temperature is lowered to a dangerous point (below 95* F). It is usually caused by prolonged exposure to cold but is also seen in shock states. Hypothermia causes temporary amnesia, heart irregularities, unconsciousness and slowed bodily functions. If left unchecked, hypothermia results in death.

To protect from hypothermia:

• Be aware of both land and water temperatures.
• Note the first signs of cold hands and feet and difficulty using hands, such as gripping things. It is easy to recognize cold feet and hands by their numbness and discomfort, but it is difficult to recognize that the core body is getting too cold. Pay attention to chills and shivering.
• Note difficulty in performing simple actions or repetition of tasks; note any confusion or difficulty in thinking clearly.
• Wear a wet suit when surfing or diving in cool waters.
• Avoid swimming alone, and don't over extend your swim time.
• Drink warm liquids and bath in warm water to help re-warm the body.

• Drink plenty of water and avoid drinks with caffeine or alcohol, as these act to take fluids out of the body-increasing the dehydration risk.
• Do not exercise in warm water. If the water temperature is 85°F, it is about the same as the skin's temperature, and the body heat that builds from exercise cannot be transferred to the water. Thus heat builds in the body causing the temperature to rise.
• Do not wear a wet suit in the hot sun when out of the water-the body's heat builds inside the body, causing the temperature to rise.
• Recognize the signs of heat stroke: hot, red, dry skin; rapid pulse; shallow breathing; difficulty thinking clearly.
• To help someone who may be suffering heat stroke, get the victim to a cooler place immediately; cover with cool, wet beach towels or pour cool water over the skin; use ice packs and keep victim lying down; call 911 for help.

If a Storm Develops

Anytime a storm develops while you are on or in the water, you should head immediately to shore. Realize that heavy rains can make water more dangerous

Risks of Alcohol and Other Drug Use during Water Recreation Activities

Awareness of the particular affects of alcohol on the body in relation to participation in water recreation activities can provide a basis for making decisions to stay safe. Key concepts include:

Alcohol affects balance. This affect is seen almost immediately and increases the risk of falling overboard. Within minutes of falling overboard in cold waters, you may not be able to call for help, swim or float due to the faster affects of hypothermia caused by alcohol.

Alcohol affects judgement. This affect is seen almost immediately. Alcohol diminishes judgement and decision-making ability. Alcohol reduces inhibitions-even a cautious person is likely to take more risks. It diminishes the ability to react to several different signals at once-it takes longer to receive signals from eyes and ears and longer to react. Peripheral vision, focus, and depth of vision are all impaired by alcohol, making it difficult to judge speed and distance. Alcohol also reduces night vision.

Alcohol may cause inner ear disorientation, which can make swimmers swim down, not up to the surface, greatly increasing the risk for drowning.

Alcohol slows reaction time. This effect is seen almost immediately. Alcohol compounds the affects of the sun, glare, exposure to noise, vibration, wind and other motion typically experienced while boating. Four hours exposure to these elements creates a type of fatigue, known as "boater's hypnosis," which slows reaction time almost to that of being legally drunk. Alcohol increases this effect. Alcohol reduces the body's ability to protect against cold, creating a higher risk of hypothermia with its accompanying slowed reactions.

Alcohol increases the danger of cardiac arrest by causing irregular heartbeat. Alcohol also impairs motor function because brain functions are slowed.