How to Help Someone Drowning - Reach Or Throw, Don't Go!

You may have heard about this catchy phrase from your kids, swim instructors, or old safety videos, but it’s significance hasn’t changed. When it comes to drowning prevention, a huge mistake many of us could make is trying to be the hero. Our first instinct may be to jump into the pool, swim to the drowning victim, and try to carry their weight our own. However, the true hero is resourceful and wise to help the person in need without putting themselves in danger.

Three Common Situations to Assess and How to Respond

Are you able to lift or carry the child to the edge? If need be, could you get them out of the water, too? If not and they are arm’s distance, save your energy and reach out for them. If you have a towel or see a shepherd’s hook or rescue buoy at the community pool, go ahead and throw it out to the child for them to grab on and drag them to the edge.

Most of the time, people who are drowning panic and their initial response is to grab onto anything they see for support. If you are swimming toward a drowning adult, they’re survival-mode strength could push you under or they could hold on for dear life and you can become a second victim. Instead, see if they are close enough for reach or throw, don’t go. If not, call for help from nearby people or 911. If you have no other choice, try to find an escape route if they were to panic and try to use your resources for flotation or for pulling them in.

Teach your children the reach or throw, don’t go technique. Make sure they know to call for help from an adult or 911 and to also use their resources to throw something from the edge of the pool to pull them toward the edge. Never let them jump in by themselves.

SAFETY FOR EVERYONE

Education about pool safety is extremely important to know at a young age and you’re never too old to know your limits. Be aware of your surroundings, always call for help, and never put yourself in a dangerous position because that helps no one!

About the Author: Lauren Weaver
Hello! My name is Lauren and I am currently a senior at Pepperdine University. I have been lifeguarding for six years and teaching swim lessons for five years to every age from baby to adult of all experience levels. I have a passion for helping others find confidence as they challenge themselves, learn new swimming techniques, or face fears in the pool!