Near-drowning and water rescue
Reach, throw, row — never swim to a casualty if you can avoid it.
Call 112 territory
What to do now
- 1Your safety first: a second casualty helps nobody.
- 2Shout for help and call 112.
- 3Reach with a rod, pole or branch; throw a buoyant aid or rope; row or use a boat. Enter the water only as a last resort and only if trained.
- 4Once out, check breathing. If not breathing normally, start CPR with 5 rescue breaths, then 30 compressions to 2 breaths.
- 5Keep the person horizontal, remove wet clothes and insulate them.
Do not
- 1Do not jump in after someone through ice or into current.
- 2Do not try to drain water from the lungs.
- 3Do not let a rescued person go home without medical assessment.
Seek urgent help if
- 1Always call emergency services after any submersion, even a brief one.
- 2Coughing, breathlessness, chest pain, vomiting or drowsiness in the hours afterwards.
Aftercare
- 1Medical review is mandatory — delayed lung and heart problems are real.
- 2Review lifejacket use, kill-cord and ice-safety kit before the next trip.
This page is general first-aid guidance for anglers. It cannot diagnose an injury and does not replace professional emergency care. If you are unsure, call 112.