Almost Drowning, or near drowning, is a frightening and potentially fatal thing. There are two kinds of this:

“Wet”- where the person has taken water into their lungs, and the lungs function has been affected

“Dry”- less common condition where the airways closed due to spasms induced by water.

When rescuing someone who has nearly drowned, make sure to watch out for your own safety as well, do not attempt a rescue that is beyond your abilities. Let other people help out as well, for example if you are not physically strong, do not attempt to remove someone larger than you from the water, let someone else do this while you wait onshore ready to begin resuscitation. 

• Pale cool skin
• Weak or absent pulse
• Labored or absent breathing
• Slightly conscious or unconscious
• Cyanosis (bluish discoloration of the skin)

Treatment:

• Asses the situation quickly, check vitals and if necessary begin CPR
• If needed treat for Hypothermia
• If needed treat for Shock
• If any neck or spinal injuries are suspected try not to move the person unless absolutely necessary. And call 911 for an ambulance.
• When they have begun breathing correctly and are not at risk of shock or hypothermia place them in the recovery position.

It is important to know that near drowning has a large affect of the respiratory system, and if the lungs have fluid in them it may lead to at best pneumonia and at worst a fatal condition known as “late drowning”. If someone has suffered from near drowning they should go see as doctor as soon as possible.

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