Drowning: rescuing others and self-rescue
To help someone: shout, call for help, reach, throw, row — never swim out to them directly; if you're drowning: float like a jellyfish and relax, don't struggle
01 What to do now
- 01
If you spot someone drowning (from lowest to highest risk)
Shout: call for help first; call: get others nearby to assist; reach: use a pole or similar object for them to grab; throw: throw a floating object; row: paddle over on a floating device; never swim out to rescue them with your bare hands
- 02
Self-rescue if you're drowning
Don't struggle or gasp for air; splash the surface and shout loudly for help; find a floating object, or inflate your clothing as a flotation aid; jellyfish float: take a deep breath, face down in the water, let your arms and legs hang relaxed; back float: relax your whole body, tilt your head back slowly, breathe out fast and in fast
02 Common myths
Jumping in immediately to save someone you see drowning: swimming out without lifesaving training often turns it into two people drowning
Struggling upward with all your strength while drowning: the more you struggle, the faster you use up energy — relax and let your body float naturally instead
The widely shared "carry them upside-down and run" method: this is a false home remedy — the correct approach is to immediately check responsiveness and breathing, and perform CPR if needed
03 Sources
- Tainan City Fire Bureau — Five steps to rescue, ten tips to prevent drowning Official source
- Ministry of Education — 4 self-rescue techniques in water Official source
- MyGoPen — Fire agency and doctors debunk the "carry upside-down and run" myth for rescuing drowning children Professional / media source