Drowning First Aid Skills in Resorts and Hotels | Wellbeing

1. Common Causes of Drowning in Resorts and Hotels

At resorts, drowning primarily occurs due to a lack of adult supervision, allowing children to play near pools or beaches without safety barriers. Many cases involve children falling into deep water, lacking swimming skills, or being swept away by waves. According to the Vietnamese Government's National Program for Child Accident Prevention (2021-2030), drowning remains the leading cause of death for children aged 5 to 14. In resorts, risks multiply when pools lack on-duty lifeguards, depth warning signs, or fenced-off whirlpool areas.

Adults are also at high risk, particularly when consuming alcohol before swimming or taking night swims. The situation turns deadly when resort staff lack periodic first aid training, making emergency handling dangerously ineffective. Therefore, a true child-safe resort must possess a continuous monitoring system, clear signage, and a highly trained workforce.

2. Skills for Rescuing Victims from the Water

Upon spotting a drowning victim, the absolute first action is to shout for help and call emergency services (115) immediately. Do not jump into the water if you are not a strong swimmer or lack professional rescue training. A panicked victim can drag you under, putting both lives in fatal danger.

• If the victim is still struggling: Throw a life ring, a rope, or extend a long pole for them to grab. Find a stable anchor point on the shore to pull them in, then safely lift them out of the water.

• If the victim is unconscious and the rescuer is a trained swimmer: Jump into the water (with a flotation device if available), swim to the victim, and grab their hair or torso to lift their head above the surface. Gently tap their cheeks to stimulate a breathing reflex. Hook your arms under their armpits, turn them face-up, and use a lifesaving backstroke to bring them to shore.

At child-safe resorts, staff must practice this skill frequently to ensure rapid response, especially involving children—the most vulnerable demographic to drowning.

3. The Correct Drowning First Aid Protocol

Once the victim is on land, first aid must commence immediately, as the brain can only survive without oxygen for about 4 to 5 minutes. The most crucial principle for drowning is providing rescue breaths before chest compressions, as the victim typically stops breathing before their heart stops.

• Airway and Initial Breaths: Lay the victim flat on their back on a hard, open surface. Loosen tight clothing and belts. Clear the airway by tilting the head to the side and using a clean cloth to sweep out any mucus, vomit, or foreign objects from the mouth. Lift the chin to open the airway. Take a normal breath and blow into the victim's mouth for 1 second (pinch the nose for adults; cover both the mouth and nose for infants). Deliver 5 initial rescue breaths continuously.

• Chest Compressions: If the victim remains unresponsive (not breathing, not moving), immediately transition to external chest compressions. Place the heel of one hand in the center of the chest (between the nipples) and place your other hand on top. Compress the chest 4-5 cm deep at a rate of 100-120 compressions per minute.

• CPR Ratio: For one rescuer, perform 30 compressions followed by 2 rescue breaths. If two rescuers are present, one performs continuous compressions while the other manages the breathing. (Note: For infants under 1 year, use 2 fingers; for children 1-8 years, use one hand).

• Recovery Position: Continue CPR until the victim breathes again or the medical team arrives. Once the victim regains consciousness, place them in the recovery position (on their side), cushion their head, cover them with a blanket to prevent hypothermia, and monitor them continuously, as vomiting or secondary respiratory distress may occur.

4. Fatal Mistakes Resort Staff Must Avoid

Many people still apply dangerous folk remedies, such as the "water drainage maneuver" (carrying the victim upside down over the shoulder or shaking them to drain water). This deadly mistake fatally delays CPR and significantly increases the risk of aspirating vomit into the lungs. Inverting the victim does not expel water from the lungs; it only wastes precious, life-saving time.

Absolutely do not give the victim food, water, or medication until they are fully conscious. Do not stop first aid if the victim has not resumed breathing, and avoid compressing the chest too forcefully to prevent rib fractures. According to guidelines from the National Children's Hospital and the Ministry of Health, incorrect first aid is the primary reason many children suffer severe brain damage or death despite being pulled from the water.

5. Legal Regulations and Pool Safety Standards in Resorts/Hotels

A child-safe resort requires more than just first aid skills; it begins with establishing strict and comprehensible pool regulations. Pool rules clearly outline safe usage, elevating public awareness to protect individuals and families.

Standard safety regulations to guarantee a child-safe resort typically include:

• Clear signage indicating operating hours (usually 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM).

• Mandatory and continuous adult supervision for children under 12.

• A fully stocked first aid kit (including CPR masks), life jackets, life rings, and visual drowning first aid instructions.

• Highly visible, uniformed lifeguards on continuous patrol.

• Free access to life rings and children's life jackets, alongside 24/7 CCTV surveillance.

• Prohibitions on eating, drinking, bringing pets, or running/horseplay around the pool area.

• Clear depth markers around the entire pool perimeter.

Furthermore, resorts should host free water safety workshops for guests, especially prior to peak seasons. Equipping all water zones with rescue tubes, throw ropes, and spinal backboards is a mandatory requirement to achieve the "Child-Safe Resort" standard.