Resources · Guide

CPR & Drowning Response

In a drowning, the minutes before paramedics arrive are decisive. Bystander CPR saves lives.

Free, confidential case review Call (833) 652-7600

Why CPR matters in drowning

Drowning is fundamentally a lack of oxygen. Prompt rescue breaths and chest compressions can restore oxygen to the brain and dramatically improve the chance of survival and recovery.

Basic response steps

1. Remove from water & call 911

Get the person out safely and have someone call 911 immediately.

2. Begin CPR

If trained, begin rescue breaths and chest compressions without delay.

3. Continue until help arrives

Do not stop until emergency responders take over or the person revives.

When response fails

Where a pool operator, lifeguard, or facility fails to respond or performs CPR improperly, that failure can compound a tragedy — and may form part of a negligence claim.

Keep reading

Related resources

Talk to us now. We care.

Tell us what happened. There is no fee unless we win, and your conversation with us is always confidential. Prefer to talk now? Call (833) 652-7600.

What happened? Where did it happen? Which state did it happen in? When did it happen? (approximate is fine)

Multi-state representation. Attorney Michael A. Haggard is licensed to practice law in Florida (State Bar of Florida, 1996) and is admitted to the U.S. District Courts for the Southern, Middle, and Northern Districts of Florida. Because aquatic-injury, drowning, and premises-liability cases demand nationally-recognized expertise, Mr. Haggard regularly represents families throughout the United States through pro hac vice admission or in association with locally-licensed co-counsel — a standard, court-approved practice for cases of this specialized nature.