Symptoms

The near-drowning person may be awake, semiconscious, or unconscious with little or no breathing or heartbeat. Vomiting, cold skin, and a bluish-white paleness are common signs.

Head and Spinal Injuries

• The head and spine are often injured in diving accidents. If the person is floating face down, gently turn the person over, supporting the head and neck to keep them level with the back. Don’t take the person out of
  the water; instead, keep the person floating on his or her back. Basic CPR rules apply to person with head and spinal injuries.
• If possible, wait for professional help. If the person has to be moved, immobilize the head and neck first, using a backboard, table leaf, door, or several people working as a team to support the head and neck and keep them in line with the back. When a board or other flat, rigid surface is used, it should extend from the head to the buttocks.

Near drowning is an upsetting experience. Stay with a recovering near-drowning person to provide support and reassurance. Any near-drowning person should be taken to the nearest hospital for intensive care, even if the person has regained consciousness. Complications or death from heartbeat disturbances can happen as much as 24 to 48 hours after the accident.

First Aid

• Call 911.
• Rescue the near-drowning person if you are trained in rescue methods and can do it without endangering yourself. Throw a life preserver or use a pole, towel, or boat to reach the person if you can’t swim to him or her safely.
• If necessary, immediately open the person’s airway and begin artificial respiration even before the person is taken out of the water.