Drowning First Aid: Safe Rescue, Breathing and Pool Safety

Villa pools, compound pools and beaches make drowning a real risk for UAE families, and drowning is quick and silent. The first aid course covers what to do once the person is out of the water; prevention matters even more.

Drowning does not look like drowning

People who are drowning rarely shout or wave. They are often upright in the water, head tilted back, mouth at the waterline, unable to call out. Children can slip under silently in seconds.

Rescue safely

Reach with a pole, throw something that floats, or wade in only if you can stand. Many would-be rescuers drown themselves.

Why rescue breaths matter

Drowning is a problem of oxygen, so rescue breaths are particularly important in CPR for a drowning victim. Do not try to drain water from the lungs. CPR technique is taught on the course; see also CPR for infants and children.

After the rescue

Even someone who seems fine can develop breathing problems hours later. Coughing, breathlessness or unusual sleepiness after a drowning incident need hospital care. Keep them warm.

Pool safety at home

• A four-sided fence with a self-closing gate.
• An adult watching, without a phone, whenever children swim.
• No inflatables left in the pool to tempt a toddler.
• Swimming lessons for children.

See first aid for parents and hotel and pool staff.

This guide summarises first aid for the public and does not replace training or medical advice. In an emergency in the UAE call 998 for an ambulance.

More First Aid guides: Emergency-by-emergency first aid

• First Aid Course in Abu Dhabi — dates, format and booking
• Severe Bleeding First Aid: Pressure, Tourniquets and Packing
• Burns First Aid: Cool, Cover, and When a Burn Needs Hospital
• Heat Stroke vs Heat Exhaustion: First Aid for UAE Summers
• Anaphylaxis First Aid: Recognising a Severe Allergic Reaction
• Asthma Attack First Aid: Helping With a Reliever Inhaler
• Heart Attack First Aid: Warning Signs and What to Do
• Stroke First Aid: The FAST Test and Why Time Matters
• Seizure First Aid: Keep Them Safe, Time It, and When to Call 998
• Low Blood Sugar First Aid: Helping in a Diabetic Emergency
• Fainting First Aid: What to Do Before and After Someone Faints
• Fractures and Sprains First Aid: Support, Cold and When to Call
• Head Injury and Concussion First Aid: Danger Signs to Watch For
• Poisoning First Aid: Swallowed, Inhaled and Skin Exposures
• Bites and Stings First Aid: Scorpions, Snakes, Bees and Jellyfish
• Eye Injury First Aid: Chemicals, Dust and Objects in the Eye
• Electric Shock First Aid: Make It Safe Before You Touch
• First Aid Kit Checklist for Home, Car and Workplace
• All First Aid guides, by topic

Other life support and first aid courses: BLS Course · ACLS Course · PALS Course · Training calendar

Frequently asked questions

What is the first thing to do if someone is drowning?

Shout for help, call 998, and reach or throw a flotation aid rather than going in unless trained.

Are rescue breaths important after drowning?

Yes, drowning is an oxygen problem.

Should you try to get water out of the lungs?

No.

Does someone need hospital after a near-drowning?

Yes, breathing problems can develop hours later.

How can I make a home pool safer?

Four-sided fencing, constant adult supervision and swimming lessons.

Sources and further reading

What we teach follows the awarding body and the UAE health authorities. For the definitive position on a course or licensing question, these are the places to check.

• Heartsaver First Aid CPR AED — American Heart Association
• CPR and ECC Guidelines — American Heart Association

Last reviewed 21 September 2026 by the training team at Safety First Medical Services, an American Heart Association training centre at Addax Office Tower, Al Reem Island, Abu Dhabi. Call +971 55 761 9841 or email training@safetyfirstmed.ae.