Throw the device just past the victim, but within reach. If the person is close enough, extend a pole, or simply reach out with a hand or leg for the swimmer to grasp. A floatation device can create a false sense of security, Spatter said. They could be swept far from shore. The lifeguard must constantly watch hundreds of swimmers and cannot always tell panic from playing at a distance.
Flotation devices can fail, or a child can slip out.
If you have gotten water in your lungs, you may need antibiotics or other treatment. If an ambulance was not called, go to an emergency room promptly. If you have been in a near-drowning situation, rest and stay out of the water for the rest of the day. In an area in Northwest Florida, rich in fishing, swimming and boating opportunities, water emergencies can occur even with the best precautions. Here are some survival tips.