Many persons who are drowning are able to help
themselves or are rescued in time by bystanders or
professional rescuers. In areas where lifeguards
operate, less than 6% of all rescued persons need
medical attention4 and just 0.5% need CPR.21 In one
report of rescues by bystanders, almost 30% of persons
rescued from drowning required CPR.23 Untrained
rescuers must also avoid drowning23 and,
if at all possible, should provide help from out of
the water. Safe rescue techniques include reaching
to the drowning person with an object such as a
pole, towel, or tree branch or throwing a buoyant
object. These quick, safe responses are often neglected
and should be taught as part of water
safety.