5 ms·
From what I've read, it can be common practice to punch the drowning person to stun them and stop flailing limbs.
by lfowles 10y ago
From what I've read, it can be common practice to punch the drowning person to stun them and stop flailing limbs.
- logfromblammo 10y agoI was taught to grab a handful anywhere (excepting the elbow), and pinch hard. Drowning is bad enough without adding a concussion to it, and possibly injuring your own hand.
- lfowles 10y agoHeh, not trying to knock them unconscious with a blow to the head, but to surprise them (like pinching would).
- benaiah 10y agoThe simplest way to get a drowning person off you is to go down. With your arms at your sides, push up, like the reverse of when you're trying to lunge out of the water. As soon as the drowning person's head goes below water they will let go and you can come back for another attempt. Don't punch them, it's less effective and can knock them unconscious, which can complicate the rescue. Source: was a trained and certified lifeguard and swim teacher in my teens.
- lfowles 10y agoBetter source than mine, listen to this guy!