Drowning, signs to look for.

[s/v Faith]

I saw this link posted on another forum, and thought it was worth taking a look at and discussing.

  I was trained in water rescue years ago, and do not recall being taught this.

http://mariovittone.com/2010/05/154/

...So if a crew member falls overboard and every(thing) looks O.K. ? don?t be too sure. Sometimes the most common indication that someone is drowning is that they don?t look like they?re drowning. They may just look like they are treading water and looking up at the deck. One way to be sure? Ask them: ?Are you alright?? If they can answer at all ? they probably are. If they return a blank stare ? you may have less than 30 seconds to get to them. And parents: children playing in the water make noise. When they get quiet, you get to them and find out why."...

[Oldrig]

I was trained in water rescue years ago, and do not recall being taught this.

Very interesting.
I went through the USSailing/CCA Safety at Sea course this year in preparation for my cruise to Bermuda, and I don't remember this particular item as being part of the curriculum.

--Joe

[newt]

That is a very valid point. The last person I hauled of the GSL was about 3 nm out, he didn't do anything but stare when we asked him if he was alright ( he was laying on top of a kayak) It took him 5- 10 minutes on our boat before he could speak.

[tomwatt]

I rescued a swimmer from the dock when I was a teenager using a "reach pole." Lifeguard doctrine says if you put the pole in front of them they'll grab it. I did, he was looking at it but couldn't seem to see it. Only when I more or less poked him in the crotch with the pole did he grab it - and proceeded to climb halfway out of the water.
There is some really good stuff to remember at that link.
It really doesn't take much water inhaled to put you out of business.
And yes, children (grandson and grandnieces) worry me in the water now.
Here's wishing everyone a wonderful wet summer... I'll be out of pocket starting Monday until I complete my move from New England to Central Arkansas.

[el cielo]

I'll be out of pocket starting Monday until I complete my move from New England to Central Arkansas.

Tomwatt, I'm in Northwest Arkansas, so perhaps we'll meet on a lake some day. It's quite pretty here.