brand logo

MICHAEL J. ARNOLD, MD, MHPE

Am Fam Physician. 2026;113(4):402-403

 This clinical content conforms to AAFP criteria for CME.

Author disclosure: No relevant financial relationships.
• Drowning should be prevented with isolation fencing around swimming pools, life jacket use, swimming lessons, and lifeguard supervision.
• The initial response to possible drowning should include recognizing distress, providing flotation devices, and calling emergency medical services.
• In-water rescue breathing, when performed by trained rescuers, may prevent cardiac arrest after drowning.
• Ventilation is essential, even after cardiac arrest, and should be prioritized over AED use.
From the AFP Editors

Drowning accounts for 1 in 14 deaths from unintentional injury worldwide. It is also the leading cause of death from unintentional injury in children younger than 5 years and the second leading cause in children 5 to 14 years of age. In one study of rescues by lifeguards, less than 1% of people rescued from drowning required resuscitation. The American Heart Association (AHA) and American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) published updated guidelines for resuscitation after drowning.

Already a member/subscriber?  Log In

Subscribe

From $180
  • Immediate, unlimited access to all AFP content
  • More than 125 CME credits/year
  • Print delivery available
Subscribe

Issue Access

$59.95
  • Immediate, unlimited access to this issue's content
  • CME credits
  • Print delivery available
Interested in AAFP membership?  Learn More

Coverage of guidelines from other organizations does not imply endorsement by AFP or the AAFP.

This series is coordinated by Michael J. Arnold, MD, MHPE, Assistant Medical Editor.

A collection of Practice Guidelines published in AFP is available at https://www.aafp.org/afp/practguide.

Continue Reading

More in AFP

Copyright © 2026 by the American Academy of Family Physicians.

This content is owned by the AAFP. A person viewing it online may make one printout of the material and may use that printout only for his or her personal, non-commercial reference. This material may not otherwise be downloaded, copied, printed, stored, transmitted or reproduced in any medium, whether now known or later invented, except as authorized in writing by the AAFP.  See permissions for copyright questions and/or permission requests.

Copyright © 2026 American Academy of Family Physicians. All Rights Reserved.