Drowning

Call 911

A baby can drown in seconds and silently, even in 1 or 2 inches of water: bathtub, bucket, toilet, pool or inflatable pool.

What to do

1. Get the baby out of the water right away. Shout for help and have someone call 911.
2. If the baby doesn't respond or isn't breathing normally, start CPR with breaths (see 'Baby not breathing: CPR'). Breaths are very important after drowning.
3. If the baby vomits, turn them on their side, clear the mouth and continue.
4. If the baby is breathing, lay them on their side, dry them and keep them warm until the ambulance arrives.

What not to do

• Don't try to drain water from the lungs or hold the baby upside down.
• Don't give abdominal thrusts.
• Don't waste time looking for an AED before starting CPR.