Drowning is death caused by suffocation in water or other liquid. Most drownings and near-drownings happen in water to people who did not intend to enter the water, such as people who go boating. Falling into cold water is particularly dangerous. A person who becomes submerged in cold water can be quickly overcome by extremes of cold. Even shallow water can be a danger. Children have drowned in wading pools and even in bathtubs. In the United States, several thousand people drown each year.
Drowning begins when water or other liquid is inhaled into the lungs. This can happen when a person is gasping for air while struggling to stay afloat. When water enters the airway that leads to the lungs, the muscles of the larynx contract, preventing more fluid from entering. However, the muscular contractions also prevent air from reaching the lungs. Without air, the victim stops breathing, loses consciousness, and, unless rescued, dies.
A person who cannot swim can keep from drowning by floating upon the surface of the water. Both swimmers and nonswimmers can learn effective floating techniques—often called survival floating—in swimming and water safety classes.
Methods of rescue.
Only a person trained in water rescues should swim out to help a drowning person. Many rescuers are pulled underwater by struggling victims.
If the drowning person is close enough, reach out with a fishing pole, an oar, a tree branch, a belt, or a shirt or towel. Keep your body low to avoid being pulled into the water. If no such objects are near, firmly grasp a secure object, such as a pool ladder, and extend an arm or leg to the victim. If the person is too far to reach, throw a ring buoy or other floating object—such as a styrofoam cooler—that the victim can grab and use to stay afloat. If the object is attached to a rope, throw it beyond the victim and pull it back within the victim’s reach. Slowly pull the victim to safety.
Wade in to help the victim only if there is no danger from currents, objects on the bottom, or a sudden drop in the bottom. If possible, carry an item that will float, such as a cushion, raft, kickboard, or life jacket. Allow the victim to grasp one side of the object and pull the victim to safety, or allow the victim to grab the object and kick to safety. The object should always be kept between the rescuer and victim to prevent a panicky victim from pulling the rescuer under. 
Giving first aid.
If the rescued victim has stopped breathing, he or she should receive artificial respiration, also called rescue breathing, as soon as possible. The person administering artificial respiration must not give up quickly. People who have been submerged in extremely cold water for over an hour have been saved by artificial respiration. See First aid (Giving artificial respiration).
See also Safety (In water sports); Swimming (Water safety).
