Lifesaving

Lifesaving

Even if you can't swim you can often help somebody in danger in the water, if you're even a weak swimmer you can help so much more, but if you're a confident swimmer that's better still.

Notice I didn't say strong swimmer, although that's best of all, but even if you're getting on in years as I am you can remain confident through swimming regularly and trying out your water skills from time to time.

Whatever standard of swimmer you are there is no point in putting yourself in danger unnecessarily. Seeing someone in difficulties in the water can be nervewracking and one's first instinct might be to dive in there and then to go to their rescue.

So the first thing to do is to quickly judge the situation and decide on a plan of action; or at least plan A. A few seconds spent thinking could save a life. The following procedures are put in logical order

1)Get as close as possible to the victim on land before attempting a rescue. For example if the victim is near the opposite bank of a river, is there a nearby bridge? Running is many times quicker than swimming.

2)Try reaching to the victim. Is there a tree branch or other means of extending help. Maybe there's a lifebuoy or a rope that can be thrown?

3)Be wary of entering water where you can't see the bottom. Don't dive but enter feet-first. If you're a non-swimmer or a weak swimmer try to find a stick with which to probe the bottom as you proceed or you may fall into a hole. Unless you're confident don't go out of your depth or you could become another victim.

4)If you have to swim to the victim try to take some means of flotation with you. Maybe a lifebuoy or a chunk of timber. Dealing with a frightened person can be a problem. Giving them something to hold on to is a great help.

5)Talk to the victim to reassure them. Your further actions will depend on their reaction.

6)Assuming that you're a reasonably confident swimmer and you've reached the victim your actions must reflect the state of the victim. If it's a small child, the best way is to let the child grab hold, then swim to land.

7)But if the victim is adult, terrified and thrashing about you must be very careful. There's nothing to gain by becoming another victim. It's a question of survival for both of you. It's best to stand off until the victim either becomes calmer or comatose. It's hard, but that's life. Unless you're an experienced lifesaver, the best hold is to grab an elbow. That way, if you're careful, the victim cannot get hold of you and you can tow them to land using sidestroke.
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And if you're not alone tell someone to contact local services; ambulance and police while you're doing your bit. Don't wait until you've got the victim ashore. You may need some help in resuscitation.

If you're a good swimmer lifesaving is well worth studying. I gained my first lifesaving certificate when I was 16 years of age. In the class were two guys who were pool attendants at an large outside 'lido'. Neither were strong swimmers but they had saved any number of kids using the method I put forward above. I've used it myself since during swimming classes that went wrong and it works.

In those days the main method of resuscitation was the 'Schaeffer' which involve pumping the victims arem up and down to clear the lungs of water. It's now replaced by the 'kiss of life' which is far more effective, if unpleasant.

I hope you never need to use any of the above but if you do remember the sequence - get close, reach, throw, wade, swim, talk, tow with
care. Your life is important; guard it with care. Unless it's your child in trouble. But even then don't go off half-cocked. Think of the best options first.