Drowning is often silent and happens much faster than most people expect. Unlike what we see in movies, there may be no screaming, dramatic splashing, or obvious signs of distress. You may notice the person’s head tilted backward, their mouth barely above the water surface, and their eyes appearing unfocused.
To rescue a drowning person safely, avoid jumping directly into the water after them. Instead, reach for them using a flotation device, rope, or any available object, then pull them to safety carefully. Once the person is removed from the water, immediately check their breathing and begin CPR if they are not breathing normally.
With rising summer temperatures in Saudi Arabia, more people head to beaches and swimming pools, increasing the risk of sudden drowning incidents. A person may appear completely healthy moments before drowning, but only a few seconds can turn the situation into a life-threatening emergency.
In this summer 2026 guide, we explain the real signs of drowning, how to perform drowning rescue safely, essential drowning prevention tips, and what to do after saving a drowning victim.
What Are the Real Signs of Drowning? (Not Like in Movies)
A drowning person is often quiet and may not scream or wave their hands for help. Their movements are usually limited and focused on staying above the water. Their body may remain vertical in the water while they struggle to lift their mouth above the surface to breathe.
Common drowning signs include a mouth positioned at water level, a head tilted backward, arms pressed down along the sides of the body instead of waving, and unfocused or closed eyes. This silent struggle may last only 20–60 seconds before the victim becomes submerged.
Head and mouth at the water surface
A drowning victim may appear with their head tilted backward and their mouth close to the water surface while trying to breathe. Their eyes may look empty or unfocused.
Arms extended sideways or downward
Instead of waving for help, the victim’s arms may be stretched downward or positioned beside the body as they instinctively try to keep their head above water.
No screaming or calling for help
A drowning person uses all available energy to breathe and stay afloat, leaving little ability or time to shout for assistance.
Sudden disappearance under water
A person can drown in less than a minute. During this time, the signs may be subtle and easy to miss.
Remember: drowning does not look like it does in movies. Dramatic movements and struggling actions are uncommon. Spending time checking whether someone is simply “playing around” or waving can waste valuable seconds.
Focus on the quiet but dangerous signs above when deciding whether someone needs immediate help.
How to Rescue Someone Drowning Without Becoming a Second Victim
Do not rush into the water unless you are trained and confident in water rescue. The internationally recognized safety approach follows the Reach, Throw, Row, Don’t Go principle, which recommends using rescue methods from a safe distance before entering the water.
If you see someone drowning:
Call for help immediately.
Try to reach them using a long object such as a stick, rope, or even a long piece of clothing.
If reaching is not possible, throw a flotation device such as a life ring or buoy.
If a boat or rescue board is available, use it to approach the person safely.
The Rule: Reach, Throw, Row, Don’t Go
Reach
Extend a stick, rope, pole, or any long object toward the drowning person so they can hold onto it and move toward safety.
Throw
Throw a life buoy, flotation device, or any floating object that allows the victim to stay above water.
Row
If a boat or rescue board is available, use it to approach the victim and pull them toward shore safely.
Don’t Go
Do not enter the water unless you are a trained rescue professional. Swimming directly toward a drowning person can put you at risk because a panicking victim may grab onto you and pull you underwater.
This approach protects both you and the drowning victim during the rescue attempt. It is also supported by safety guidance from emergency organizations: if you are not a trained swimmer or rescuer, avoid entering the water and use a rope, stick, or flotation device instead.
Using Available Rescue Equipment
Use any available rescue equipment around you to improve safety during a drowning rescue:
Life ring or rescue buoy
Throw the flotation device toward the drowning victim and encourage them to hold onto it.
Rescue rope
Attach a rope to a flotation device or extend it toward the victim to maintain a safe distance while pulling them to safety.
Boat or rescue board
If available, use a boat or rescue board to reach the drowning person quickly without putting yourself at unnecessary risk.
Automated External Defibrillator (AED)
If an AED is available after removing the victim from the water and they show signs of cardiac arrest, use it immediately according to the device’s voice instructions.
The more rescue tools available, the safer the rescue becomes for both you and the drowning victim. Always look for the nearest life buoy, floating object, or any item that can be safely thrown to the person in distress.
What Should You Do After Removing a Drowning Victim from the Water?
Once the drowning victim has been removed from the water, assess their condition immediately.
Place the person on their back on a firm, flat surface. Call their name and gently tap their shoulder to check for responsiveness.
Next, open the airway by performing a head tilt–chin lift. Look, listen, and feel for normal breathing for 5–10 seconds. Do not mistake occasional gasping for normal breathing.
If the victim is conscious and breathing normally, place them in the recovery position, keep them warm with a blanket, and continue monitoring them until medical help arrives.
If the person is unconscious or not breathing normally, start CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) immediately.
Checking Breathing and Responsiveness
Quickly assess the drowning victim’s condition:
Check responsiveness
Call out loudly and gently tap their shoulder. If they respond or open their eyes, continue monitoring their breathing and condition.
Open the airway
Lift the person’s chin gently and tilt their head backward to open the airway.
Check breathing
Look for chest movement and listen for breathing sounds for 5–10 seconds.
Provide medical support
If the victim is awake but exhausted, keep them in the recovery position, seek medical assistance, and be prepared to provide first aid if their condition changes.
This initial assessment helps determine whether CPR is needed. Do not waste valuable time on secondary actions. If the drowning victim does not respond, treat the situation as a complete emergency.
When Should You Start CPR After Drowning?
If the drowning victim is unconscious or not breathing normally, begin CPR immediately.
Do not wait and do not attempt to remove water from their lungs first. In drowning emergencies, oxygen deprivation can quickly affect the brain, making rapid intervention critical.
Start with:
30 chest compressions in the center of the chest.
Compression depth: approximately 5–6 cm.
Compression rate: 100–120 compressions per minute.
Follow with:
2 rescue breaths after every 30 chest compressions.
Ensure the chest rises with each breath.
Continue the 30:2 CPR cycle without stopping until:
The victim starts breathing normally again.
Emergency responders arrive.
You are unable to continue due to exhaustion.
If you are the only rescuer, provide CPR for about 2 minutes (around 5 cycles), then call emergency services (997 in Saudi Arabia) and continue CPR.
For more detailed instructions, see the article:
“Correct CPR Steps: A Complete Guide to Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation.”
Starting CPR correctly, including chest compressions and rescue breaths, significantly improves the chances of survival. Immediate action should always be the priority until professional help arrives.
Secondary Drowning and Dry Drowning: The Hidden Risk After Rescue
After rescuing someone from drowning, the situation may appear stable but later develop into a medical emergency.
The terms secondary drowning and dry drowning are commonly used to describe possible complications after a drowning incident. However, these terms are not considered precise medical diagnoses.
The concern is that water entering the airway may irritate the lungs and contribute to delayed breathing problems after the incident. A person may initially feel fine but later develop symptoms that require medical attention.
Signs that require medical evaluation after drowning include:
Persistent or worsening cough
A cough that continues or becomes stronger after the rescue.
Difficulty breathing or chest tightness
Any feeling of shortness of breath, breathing difficulty, or chest discomfort.
Blue lips or skin changes
Possible signs of reduced oxygen levels, along with extreme fatigue or confusion.
Dizziness or severe tiredness
Loss of energy, unusual weakness, or partial loss of awareness after appearing stable.
If any of these symptoms appear within 1–8 hours after drowning, they may indicate developing respiratory complications and require immediate medical assessment.
Even if the person seems completely normal after rescue, medical evaluation may still be recommended because some complications can appear later.
Do not assume: “They recovered, so the danger is over.” Monitoring a drowning victim for several hours after the incident is important. If you notice coughing, breathing difficulties, dizziness, or any unusual symptoms, seek medical care immediately.
How to Protect Children from Drowning in Swimming Pools
Preventing childhood drowning requires constant and active supervision whenever children are near water.
Never allow a child to play alone near a swimming pool, even for a short moment. Install safety barriers such as pool fences with secure locks, and keep rescue equipment easily accessible.
Teach children water safety rules, including avoiding running near pool edges and not swimming without adult supervision. Enrolling children in swimming lessons at an early age can also improve their water confidence and safety skills.
Constant supervision
Stay close to your child and keep your eyes on them whenever they are in or around water, even if another adult or lifeguard is present.
Pool safety barriers
Install secure fencing or protective barriers to prevent children from accessing the pool without supervision.
Flotation equipment
Use life jackets or appropriate flotation devices for young children and those who cannot swim confidently.
Swimming lessons
Enroll children in professional swimming classes early and teach them basic water survival skills.
Continuous awareness
Avoid leaving toys or objects near the pool edge, as they may attract children toward the water.
According to the World Health Organization, swimming education and safety barriers around water are among the most effective drowning prevention measures. Emergency organizations also emphasize that the presence of a lifeguard does not replace active parental supervision.
For more child safety advice, see:
“Child First Aid: A Complete Guide for Parents”, which provides detailed emergency and home safety guidance.
Emergency Numbers for Beaches and Swimming Pools in Saudi Arabia
In case of a drowning emergency at a beach or swimming pool in Saudi Arabia, call emergency medical services immediately at 997 (Saudi Red Crescent Authority).
In major cities such as Makkah, Madinah, Riyadh, and the Eastern Province, you can also call the unified emergency number 911, where your call will be directed to the appropriate emergency service.
For incidents related to security or property protection, contact the police at 999. For civil defense emergencies, call 998.
Emergency numbers in Saudi Arabia include:
Ambulance (Saudi Red Crescent): 997
Police emergency services: 999
Civil Defense: 998
Unified emergency number (911): Available in selected regions
At official beaches, trained lifeguards and rescue teams are usually available to provide immediate assistance. However, when someone is drowning, do not delay calling emergency services. Provide the exact location of the incident to help rescuers reach the victim quickly.
Knowing these essential emergency numbers improves response time and increases the chances of saving a drowning victim safely.
For more information about emergency contacts and how to respond during different situations, see:
“Emergency Numbers in Saudi Arabia: A Complete Guide.”
Conclusion: One Minute Can Make the Difference Between Life and Death
Drowning is one of the most deceptive emergencies because it often happens silently and within seconds.
Recognizing the real signs of drowning, following the “Reach, Throw, Row, Don’t Go” rescue approach, and acting quickly after removing the victim from the water can make the difference between survival, serious complications, and loss of life.
Always remember that the priority after a rescue is to immediately assess breathing and responsiveness, then begin CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) when required without wasting time trying to remove water from the lungs.
Monitoring the victim during the hours after the incident is just as important as the rescue itself because delayed breathing complications can sometimes appear after drowning.
The best drowning first aid is prevention before the accident happens. This includes:
Constant supervision of children.
Installing proper pool safety barriers.
Teaching swimming skills.
Educating all family members about water safety.
If you want to develop practical and certified first aid and CPR skills, proper training gives you the confidence and ability to respond effectively during critical moments when every second matters.
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Do not wait until you face an emergency before learning how to respond.
Improve your first aid and CPR skills through certified training courses provided by En’eash Platform, and become better prepared to protect your family and community when help is needed.
Frequently Asked Questions About Drowning First Aid
1. Is drowning really silent?
Yes, drowning is often silent.
A drowning person uses most of their energy trying to stay above water and breathe, leaving little ability to scream or call for help.
During the 20–60 seconds of instinctive struggle, the victim’s head may remain tilted backward with their mouth near the water surface. This situation is known as the instinctive drowning response, where the person may appear almost motionless, making the danger difficult to notice.
The absence of screaming does not mean the person is safe. In many cases, it can be a sign that they are in serious danger and need immediate help.
2. What should I do first when I see someone drowning?
The first step is to call for help immediately by shouting for assistance or contacting emergency services (997 in Saudi Arabia).
Then try to help the drowning victim without entering the water yourself.
Use a safe rescue method:
Reach with a stick, rope, or any long object.
Throw a life buoy or floating object.
Avoid jumping into the water unless you are trained and confident in rescue techniques.
If you are not trained, entering the water may cause you to become a second victim.
This approach follows emergency safety recommendations: if you cannot safely swim or perform a rescue, do not enter the water. Use a reaching tool or throw a flotation device instead.
3. When should I start CPR after removing a drowning victim?
Start CPR immediately if the drowning victim is unconscious or not breathing normally after being removed from the water.
Do not wait and do not attempt to remove water from their lungs first.
Follow the CPR sequence and begin life-saving actions immediately.
A drowning emergency requires urgent oxygen support because every minute without normal breathing reduces the chance of survival.
Remember: rapid CPR and contacting emergency services can make a critical difference.
4. What is dry drowning or secondary drowning?
The terms dry drowning and secondary drowning are commonly used to describe possible problems after drowning, but they are not official medical diagnoses.
They refer to situations where water exposure may irritate the airway or lungs and contribute to delayed breathing problems.
If a person appears fine after drowning but later develops:
Persistent coughing.
Difficulty breathing.
Chest discomfort.
Extreme tiredness.
They should seek medical evaluation.
Simply put: there is no sudden release of water from the lungs hours later, but any new symptoms after drowning require medical attention.
5. How can I protect my child from drowning in a swimming pool?
Protecting children from drowning requires continuous and active supervision.
Stay close to your child whenever they are near water and keep your attention focused on them.
Important prevention steps include:
Installing secure pool barriers.
Never leaving children alone near water.
Using appropriate life jackets when needed.
Teaching swimming and water safety skills early.
Preventing children from running around pool areas.
Swimming education and proper supervision are among the most effective ways to reduce childhood drowning risks.
For more information, see:
“Complete Child First Aid Guide for Parents.”
6. Should I remove water from a drowning victim’s lungs first?
No.
Do not try to manually remove water from the lungs or press on the person’s chest or abdomen to “empty the water.”
These actions may delay the most important step: starting CPR.
Modern drowning response guidelines prioritize restoring breathing and circulation through CPR because it helps deliver oxygen to the brain and vital organs.
Start CPR immediately and do not waste valuable time attempting to “drain water.”