Drowning

When a child is drowning, it may not always look like the distressed call for help that most people expect from watching TV. They may easily go unnoticed, even if friends or family are nearby.

If a child is unresponsive and not breathing normally, you need to call 999 for emergency help and start CPR straight away.

This page on The St John's Ambulance website gives step by step advice on what to do when a child has been rescued from the water and you need to perform CPR.

Prevention

This page from the Child Accident Prevention Trust explains about drowning risks at home and at the beach, for babies and older children, and how to be safer around water.

This short video from the Angus Lawson Memorial Trust
highlights three common drowning risks to small children

Last reviewed: 04/10/2021

Next review date: 04/10/2024

Approved By: Dr Ciara Carrick

Prevention

Editorial Information