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Drowning
If you are experiencing a life threatening emergency please contact Triple Zero (000) immediately
Introduction
Drowning is a leading cause of accidental death in Australia, particularly in aquatic environments such as pools, rivers, and beaches. It occurs when a person’s airway becomes submerged, preventing normal breathing. Drowning incidents can happen quickly and quietly, often when supervision lapses. Understanding what drowning is highlights the importance of water safety and rapid emergency response.
Signs and Symptoms
Difficulty breathing or gasping
Coughing up water
Blue lips/skin
Unconsciousness
No breathing, cardiac arrest
What you should do?
Follow DRSABCD
Call 000, send for AED if available
Place heel of hand in centre of chest, other hand on top
30 compressions at approx. 100–120 per minute, depth 5 cm
Give 2 breaths
Continue 30:2 until help or AED arrives
These fact sheets are provided by Royal Life Saving to support public, workplace, school, and community education. They must be used in their full and current format and are not permitted for commercial purposes unless written approval is obtained. The information is not a substitute for accredited First Aid training, and users are encouraged to complete recognised courses and refresh their skills regularly. While care has been taken to ensure accuracy, Royal Life Saving does not accept responsibility for how the material is applied, and users should always check they are referring to the latest version. Use of this content does not imply endorsement or partnership, and Royal Life Saving may request that use of its materials cease if considered inappropriate or unauthorised.
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