Water Sports Safety: Drowning Prevention and Swift Water Rescue

Water-related activities account for thousands of wilderness emergencies annually. Whether kayaking remote rivers, swimming in alpine lakes, or crossing streams, understanding water safety and rescue techniques can prevent tragedy in the backcountry.

Understanding Drowning Physiology

Drowning is a process, not an event. Understanding the stages helps rescuers intervene effectively:

1. Initial Submersion
Victim holds breath, may thrash or signal for help. This stage offers the best rescue opportunity.

2. Involuntary Breath Holding
Blood CO2 rises, creating overwhelming urge to breathe. Victim may appear calm but is in severe distress.

3. Loss of Consciousness
Hypoxia causes unconsciousness. Without immediate rescue, brain death begins within 4-6 minutes.

4. Clinical Death
Heart stops, but brain cells remain viable for several minutes, especially in cold water.

The Drowning Chain of Survival

1. Prevention
The most effective intervention is preventing submersion.

2. Recognition
Early identification of drowning behavior saves lives.

3. Safe Rescue
Rescue without creating additional victims.

4. Immediate Care
Rapid assessment and treatment of submersion victims.

5. Advanced Medical Care
Proper evacuation and continued treatment.

Recognizing Drowning Behavior

Active Drowning (1-3 minutes)

• Arms pressing down on water surface
• Head tilted back, mouth at water level
• Eyes closed or glassy, unable to focus
• Hair over forehead or eyes
• Vertical in water, no supportive leg movement
• Hyperventilation or gasping
• Unable to call for help

Passive Drowning

• Face down in water
• No movement
• Often occurs after active drowning phase

Aquatic Distress (different from drowning)

• Can still call for help
• Can wave for assistance
• Can grab rescue equipment
• May progress to active drowning

Swift Water Rescue Priorities

Order of Rescue (Least to Most Risk):

1. Reach
Use branches, paddles, or rope from shore. Maintain three points of contact with solid ground.

2. Throw
Throw bags, life rings, or improvised flotation. Aim beyond victim so current carries it to them.

3. Row/Paddle
Use boats or boards only if you’re trained and conditions permit.

4. Go (Last Resort)
Enter water only if you’re trained in swift water rescue and wearing proper safety equipment.

Cold Water Immersion Response

Cold water (below 70°F/21°C) triggers dangerous physiological responses:

1-3 Minutes: Cold Shock Response

• Gasping reflex may cause drowning
• Hyperventilation and panic
• Rapid heart rate increase

3-30 Minutes: Swimming Failure

• Muscle cooling reduces swimming ability
• Hands lose grip strength
• Coordination deteriorates

30+ Minutes: Hypothermia

• Core temperature drops
• Loss of consciousness
• Cardiac arrest

Cold Water Survival Strategies

HELP Position (Heat Escape Lessening Posture)

• Draw knees to chest
• Keep arms close to body
• Reduces heat loss by 50%

Huddle Position

• Groups of 2-4 people
• Children and elderly in center
• Arms around each other’s backs

DO NOT:

• Try to swim unless shore is very close
• Remove clothing (provides insulation)
• Thrash around (accelerates heat loss)

Rescue Breathing in Water

Traditional rescue breathing is often impossible in moving water:

In-Water Rescue Breathing

• Only attempt in calm water
• Support victim’s head and neck
• Give rescue breaths every 5 seconds
• Move toward shore while providing breaths

Priority in Moving Water

• Get victim to safety first
• Begin rescue breathing on solid ground
• Don’t risk both lives attempting in-water CPR

Post-Rescue Assessment

Primary Survey (ABCs)

• Airway: Check for water, vomit, debris
• Breathing: Look, listen, feel for breathing
• Circulation: Check pulse, signs of perfusion

Spinal Precautions
Assume spinal injury if:

• Diving incident
• Surfing or water skiing accident
• Found unconscious in water
• Any water rescue involving trauma mechanism

Secondary Drowning and Complications

Pulmonary Edema
Even small amounts of water in lungs can cause delayed respiratory distress hours later.

Signs to Watch For:

• Persistent cough
• Difficulty breathing
• Chest pain
• Fatigue or lethargy
• Changes in behavior

Treatment:

• All submersion victims need medical evaluation
• Monitor respiratory status for 24 hours
• Evacuate anyone showing signs of respiratory distress

Improvised Rescue Equipment

Throw Bags from Gear:

• Stuff sack with rope
• Fill with rocks or sand for weight
• Throw upstream of victim

Flotation from Backpacks:

• Empty plastic bottles in pack
• Seal dry bags with air
• Use as temporary flotation

Reaching Tools:

• Trekking poles extended
• Tree branches
• Rope or webbing

Prevention Strategies

Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs)

• Wear properly fitted PFDs
• Inspect regularly for damage
• Consider inflatable PFDs for backpacking

Swimming Ability Assessment

• Test swimming skills before water activities
• Practice with clothes and boots on
• Know limitations in cold water

Group Protocols

• Buddy system for all water activities
• Establish rescue roles before entering water
• Carry rescue equipment (throw bags, whistles)

Specific Activity Risks

River Crossings

• Face upstream, lean into current
• Use trekking poles for stability
• Cross at widest, shallowest points
• Unbuckle pack waist straps

Alpine Lake Swimming

• Water temperature often dangerously cold
• No lifeguards or immediate rescue
• Hypothermia risk even in summer

Kayaking/Canoeing

• Understand river classification
• Practice wet exits and rescues
• Carry proper safety equipment
• Know when to walk dangerous sections

Emergency Signals

Whistle Signals:

• 1 blast: "I’m okay"
• 2 blasts: "I need help"
• 3+ blasts: "Emergency, get help"

Visual Signals:

• Paddle raised vertically: Help needed
• Helmet on paddle: Serious emergency
• Arms crossed overhead: Stop, danger

Evacuation Priorities

Immediate Evacuation:

• Loss of consciousness during rescue
• Signs of pulmonary edema
• Suspected spinal injury
• Hypothermia with altered mental status

Monitor and Evaluate:

• Brief submersion with full recovery
• Mild hypothermia symptoms
• No loss of consciousness

Water safety in the wilderness requires preparation, proper equipment, and understanding both prevention and rescue techniques. The goal is always to prevent water emergencies through good judgment and safety practices, but when rescue is necessary, proper technique protects both victim and rescuer.

Remember: Water rescue is inherently dangerous. Creating a second victim never helps the first. Use the safest rescue method possible and don’t exceed your training or abilities.