Learning About Drowning
First step in saving a drowning person: Call for help!
AVIR stands for Aquatic Victim Instead of Rescuer Syndrome. It is a common condition in which a rescuer attempts to save a drowning victim, only to be drowned themselves. The problem is that a drowning victim is in a state of panic and will scramble onto anything to keep from sinking, including his would-be rescuer. The topic of today’s blog is what is drowning and how to save a drowning victim without becoming a victim, as well.
Some causes of swimming failure
Injury
Cold
Tired
Panic
Drinking
Health issues (cramp, medication, etc.)
Notice lifeguards are never far from their rescue buoy, either on a beach or at a public pool.
If any of these affect a swimmer, it’s easy for them to get in trouble while swimming, even in a swimming pool.
What is drowning?
We all think of drowning as caused by water in the lungs, and while even a small amount of water in the lungs can compromise breathing, drowning is caused by water against the larynx. The larynx is your voice box. So, most drowning occurs in a person’s throat, and doesn’t involve the lungs at all! The water causes the larynx to spasm, which seals the throat from allowing air (or water) into the lungs.
Drowning people are quiet. They do not shout, “Help! Help!” Often, they appear to be swimming a bit badly or are vertical. Sometimes, they’ll even wave for help from others who may be on the shore or boat, and the person on dry land will wave back! If there is any doubt, look at the swimmers face. People who are drowning have the panic on their faces or in their eyes.
How to avoid becoming an AVIR
People who are drowning have reduced mental capacity. This means that the rescuer has to be the one to remain calm. It’s essential to remember to get help, find a way to reach the victim, and only get in the water as a dead last resort.
Stay low during rescues.
Call for help
Rescuers should call for help first. Rescue is always a team effort because no matter how the rest of the rescue plays out, the rescuer is going to need help. It’s easy to panic and forget this first step, but it’s crucial to have a medical backup regardless of how well the victim responds to the rescue. So, before a rescuer turns his attention to the victim, he must secure help.
The distance of the victim from safety is the second consideration. Examples of rescue aids are such things as an oar, pole, life preserver, ball, stick, boogie board, rake, rope, or anything else which can help the victim float or be pulled to safety. Ideally, the rescuer remains dry.
The heaving jug
A heaving jug is a homemade throwing rescue device. A school-age child can save an adult from drowning if they can throw a heaving jug. It’s a great craft for kids to make while you teach them about calling for help and staying dry during water rescues.
Here is how to make a heaving jug:
Put ½-inch of water or sand in the plastic jug and screw the top on tightly. (If the jug has a snap-on top, secure it with strong glue.)
Decorate it with waterproof paint or markers
Tie the 40-foot rope to the handle of the jug.
Use a craft project as an excuse to talk to your kids about drowning, rescues, and water safety.Let them put their project out by the pool when it's finished.
Have the child practice throwing the jug past the person who they’re ‘saving’ in the yard or park. Show them how to keep hold of the end of the rope, stay low and lean back during the ‘rescue’, so they don’t get pulled into the water by the victim on the rope.
The point of this craft project isn’t just to teach a child an easy rescue. It’s also to teach them to call for help first and not to get into the water to try to save a drowning victim. This craft becomes a helpful lesson because dry rescues are always the first choice, even for an adult.
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