A swimmer or diver can fall victim to drowning because
of overexertion, panic, inability to cope with rough water, exhaustion, or the
effects of cold water or heat loss.
Drowning in a hard-hat diving rig is rare. It can
happen if the helmet is not properly secured and comes off, or if the diver is
trapped in a head-down position with a water leak in the helmet. Normally, as long
as the diver is in an upright position and has a supply of air, water can be kept out
of the helmet regardless of the condition of the suit.
Divers wearing lightweight or scuba
gear can drown if they lose or ditch their mask or mouthpiece, run out of air, or
inhale even small quantities of water. This could be the direct result of failure of
the air supply, or panic in a hazardous situation. The scuba diver, because of direct
exposure to the environment, can be affected by the same conditions that may
cause a swimmer to drown.
Drowning is best prevented by thoroughly training
divers in safe diving practices and carefully selecting diving personnel. A trained
diver should not easily fall victim to drowning. However, overconfidence can give
a feeling of false security that might lead a diver to take dangerous risks.
To treat near drowning:
1. Assess airway, breathing, and circulation.
-
Rescue breathing should be started as soon as possible, even before the
victim is removed from the water
2. Give 100 percent oxygen by mask.
3. Call for assistance from qualified medical personnel and transport as soon as
possible.
