First aid when bathing: This has to be done!
The beautiful weather ensures full bathing lakes, riverbanks and swimming pools. However, the bathing spots are not always safe or do not have a lifeguard or lifeguard on site. In the summer months there are always swimming accidents, which in the worst case can lead to drowning. Read here how you should react when someone calls for help in the water.
Drowning – swimmers are also affected
It is often assumed that non-swimmers are particularly at risk of drowning. But even safe swimmers can be in danger at the bathing lake or in the river. There are several reasons for that.
- Temperature shock: The overheated body reacts to the cooler water and cannot handle the extreme situation. Cardiac arrest can occur. It is therefore advisable to gradually get the body used to the situation.
- Hypothermia: People who stay in cool water for too long can suffer from hypothermia. Legs and arms can become stiff, making swimming impossible. Don’t stay too long in cold water or swim far from shore alone.
- Strong currents and whirlpools: If the current is too strong, even experienced swimmers can reach their limits. It is therefore advisable to only swim at advertised bathing spots.
Discover yourself a person who seems to be drowning, follow the described rescue chain step by step.
1. Recognize the situation and call for help
Observe the drowning person, pass on the call for help and alert other people. Dial the emergency number 112: Explain the situation to the rescue center and give a detailed location information. You should also wait for further questions. If there is running water, follow the drowning person along the bank if possible.
2. Assess the dangers correctly
To avoid putting yourself and others at risk, be aware of possible risks such as:
- currents and eddies
- Steep bank
- weather and water temperature
- shipping and other watercraft
Assess your own strength correctly and do not act hastily.
3. Act – but do it right
Action can be taken depending on the risk situation and your own assessment. However, self-protection is still important here:
- Rescue from the shore: stay with the endangered person, throw rescue equipment like lifebelt to them. A volleyball can also help, for example, to hold on to it.
- Rescue by swimming: If possible, keep a safe distance from the person, speak to them and calm them down. Hand over rescue supplies. Caution: Panicked people often tend to cling to the lifeguard. If you have the strength to save the person, swim up behind them and pull them to shore.
- Rescue by boat: If you are able to rescue the person by boat, pull them over the stern, i.e. up the rear part of the boat.