One of the most important things you can do to keep people safe in the water is to learn how to perform CPR following the Red Cross recommended techniques.

1. Check the scene for safety

2. Check for responsiveness and breathing by shouting, tapping them, and shouting again; also check for life-threatening bleeding or other life-threatening conditions

3. If unresponsive and not breathing or only gasping, call 9-1-1 and get equipment (such as an AED if available), or tell someone to do so if able

4. Kneel beside the person. Place the person on their back on a firm, flat surface

5. Perform 30 chest compressions:

• Hand position: Two hands centered on the chest
• Body position: Shoulders directly over hands; elbows locked
• Compression depth: At least 2 inches
• Rate of compressions: 100 to 120 per minute
• Allow the chest to return to its normal position after each compression.

6. Give 2 breaths:

• Open the airway by using the head-tilt/chin-lift technique (tilt the forehead back and lift the chin forward)
• Pinch the nose shut, take a normal breath, and make a complete seal over the person’s mouth with your mouth.
• Ensure each breath lasts about 1 second and makes the chest rise; allow air to exit before giving the next breath.

Note: If the 1st breath does not cause the chest to rise, retilt the head and ensure a proper seal before giving the 2nd breath. If the 2nd breath does not make the chest rise, an object may be blocking the airway.

7. Continue giving sets of 30 chest compressions and 2 breaths.

• Use an AED as soon as one is available.
• Minimize interruptions to chest compressions to less than 10 seconds.

1. Check the scene for safety

2. Check for responsiveness and breathing by shouting, tapping them, and shouting again; also check for life-threatening bleeding or other life-threatening conditions

• For a child, shout to get the child’s attention, using the child’s name if you know it. If the child does not respond, tap the child’s shoulder and shout again.
• For a baby, shout to get the baby’s attention, using the baby’s name if you know it. If the baby does not respond, tap the bottom of the baby’s foot and shout again.
• Check for no more than 10 seconds.

3. If unresponsive and not breathing or only gasping, call 9-1-1 and get equipment (such as an AED if available), or tell someone to do so if able

4. Place the child or baby on their back on a firm, flat surface

• For a child, kneel beside the child.
• For a baby, stand or kneel to the side of the baby, with your hips at a slight angle.

5. Perform 30 compressions

• For a child, place the heel of one hand in the center of the child’s chest, with your other hand on top and your fingers interlaced, and off the child’s chest.
  • Position your shoulders directly over your hands and lock your elbows.
  • Keep your arms straight.
  • Push down hard and fast about 2 inches at a rate of 100 to 120 per minute.
  • Allow the chest to return to its normal position after each compression.
• For a small child, use a one-handed CPR technique.
  • Place the heel of one hand in the center of the child’s chest.
  • Push down hard and fast about 2 inches at a rate of 100 to 120 per minute.
• For a baby, place both thumbs (side-by-side) on the center of the baby’s chest, just below the nipple line.
  • Use the other fingers to encircle the baby’s chest toward the back, providing support.
  • Using both thumbs at the same time, push hard down and fast about 1 ½ inches at a rate of 100 to 120 per minute.
  • Allow the chest to return to its normal position after each compression.
• For a baby, if you can’t reach the depth of 1 ½ inches, consider using the one-hand technique.

6. Give 2 breaths

• For a child, open the airway by using the head-tilt/chin-lift technique (tilt the forehead back and lift the chin forward) slightly past the neutral position.
• For a baby, pen the airway by using the head-tilt/chin-lift technique (tilt the forehead back and lift the chin forward) to a neutral position.
• Blow into the child's or baby’s mouth for about 1 second.
  • Ensure each breath makes the chest rise.
  • Allow the air to exit before giving the next breath.
• If the first breath does not cause the chest to rise, retilt the head and ensure a proper seal before giving the second breath. If the second breath does not make the chest rise, an object may be blocking the airway.

7. Continue giving sets of 30 chest compressions and 2 breaths until:

• You notice an obvious sign of life.
• An AED is ready to use
• Another trained responder is available to take over compressions.
• EMS personnel arrive and begin their care
• You are alone and too tired to continue.
• The scene becomes unsafe.
• You have performed approximately 2 minutes of CPR (5 sets of 30:2), you are alone and caring for the baby, and you need to call 9-1-1