Source : INDIA TODAY NEWS
The Rajkot drowning incident is a tragic reminder that trying to save someone from drowning can sometimes put the rescuer’s life in danger too. Four people, including three children aged between seven and 10 and an 18-year-old, drowned in a water body near Vidi Wala Pir Dargah in Gujarat while attempting to save a seven-year-old boy. The group had entered the water to bathe when the child began drowning. Three others went into the water to help but were also swept in. All four eventually drowned. The incident raises an important question: what should you do when someone is drowning if you cannot safely enter the water?
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WHY CAN A RESCUE ATTEMPT TURN DEADLY?
A person who is drowning may panic and instinctively grab or pull at whoever comes close. This can make it difficult for an untrained person to keep themselves afloat while trying to help.
The danger is even greater in unfamiliar water bodies, where depth, currents, slippery surfaces or sudden changes in the underwater terrain may not be obvious.
That is why water-safety guidance advises people who are not trained rescuers not to enter the water to save someone. The American Red Cross uses the simple rule: “reach or throw, don’t go.”
WHAT TO DO IF SOMEONE IS DROWNING
The first step is to call for help and alert trained rescuers or emergency services.
If the person is close enough, try to reach them from a safe position using a long object such as a pole, branch or other sturdy item. Do not lean so far over the edge that you lose your own balance.
If they are farther away, throw something that floats towards them, such as a life ring or another suitable floating object, and encourage them to hold on. The aim is to give the person something to stay afloat without putting another person into the water.
DO NOT JUMP IN WITHOUT THE RIGHT SKILLS
The instinct to jump in can be powerful, especially when a child is involved. But being able to swim does not automatically mean you can perform a water rescue safely.
A rescue in open water is different from swimming in a pool. Currents, depth, cold water and panic can quickly change the situation.
If you are not trained in water rescue, do not enter the water yourself. Get professional help and use the reach-or-throw approach instead.
WHAT IF YOU ARE THE ONE IN DANGER?
If you find yourself struggling in water, try not to panic. Avoid wasting energy by fighting against the water and call or signal for help if possible.
If you can reach a floating object, hold on to it and try to keep your face above the water while waiting for assistance.
Most importantly, do not underestimate unfamiliar water bodies. A pond, lake, river or dam can look calm from the surface while conditions underneath may be very different.
ONE RESCUE SHOULD NOT BECOME TWO TRAGEDIES
The Rajkot incident shows how quickly a single drowning emergency can turn into a larger tragedy.
Helping someone in danger is the right instinct. But the safest rescue is one that does not create another person who needs rescuing.
If you are not trained, remember the simplest rule: reach or throw, don’t go.
– Ends
SOURCE :- TIMES OF INDIA
