If someone is drowning, shout, call 110/120, reach with a pole or throw flotation; do not enter untrained
A drowning person may instinctively push a rescuer underwater. Shout for help, call China's 110/120, reach with a long pole or rope, and throw a lifebuoy, empty bucket or water bottles. Once ashore, absent breathing calls for immediate resuscitation. Do not form a hand-holding chain into the water. Globally about 300,000 people drown each year; it is the fourth leading cause of death at ages 1–4.
What it takes
Free. Resisting the impulse to jump in can be difficult.
What you may gain
WHO estimates about 300,000 drowning deaths annually, 92% in low- and middle-income countries. Drowning ranks fourth among causes of death at ages 1–4 and third at ages 5–14. WHO recommends safe-rescue and resuscitation training, including ways to rescue without entering water. The source's sequence is shout, call, reach/throw, then immediate chest compressions if the recovered person is not breathing.
Context & considerations
Grade C because the author found WHO mortality data and support for safe rescue, but not an official text for the categorical “do not enter” rule. Do not form human chains or attempt an in-water tow without training. Staying out also protects the rescuer, regardless of who is drowning. Often the person at risk is your child; see continuous supervision near water.
Research & references
WHO. Drowning fact sheet. https://www.who.int/zh/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/drowning