Why breaths matter after drowning
Breaths are especially important after drowning. The Red Cross drowning sequence starts with 2 rescue breaths, then cycles of 30 compressions and 2 breaths for a single rescuer. AHA guidance allows trained rescuers to begin with breaths or compressions; do not delay CPR to debate the sequence. If unable or unwilling to give breaths, start chest compressions and follow the dispatcher.
Drowning CPR: check, call and start care
Make the rescue safe
Call for a lifeguard. Reach or throw a flotation aid from a safe position; do not enter dangerous water or attempt an in-water rescue beyond your training. Once safely removed, place the person on a firm, flat surface.
Check responsiveness and breathing
Tap and shout; for an infant, tap the bottom of the foot. Check for normal breathing for no more than 10 seconds. If unresponsive and not breathing normally, including only gasping, begin CPR. Lay rescuers should not delay for a pulse check.
Activate emergency help
Send someone to call 911 and get an AED. If alone with a mobile phone, call on speaker and start care while following the dispatcher. If alone with a child or infant and you must leave to reach a phone, give about 2 minutes of CPR before leaving to call.
Include rescue breaths after drowning
Breaths are especially important after drowning. The Red Cross drowning sequence starts with 2 rescue breaths, then cycles of 30 compressions and 2 breaths for a single rescuer. AHA guidance allows trained rescuers to begin with breaths or compressions; do not delay CPR to debate the sequence. If unable or unwilling to give breaths, start chest compressions and follow the dispatcher.
Give age-appropriate compressions
Compress at 100–120 per minute on the lower half of the breastbone, allowing full recoil and minimizing pauses. For a child from age 1 until puberty, use one or two hands; press at least one third of the chest depth, about 2 inches (5 cm). For an infant under 1 year, use the heel of one hand or two thumbs with hands encircling the chest; press at least one third of its depth, about 1.5 inches (4 cm). The 2025 AHA guidance no longer recommends two-finger infant compressions.
Give breaths and use an AED
For each breath, open the airway with a head tilt and chin lift. Seal over a child’s mouth while pinching the nose; cover an infant’s mouth and nose. Give each breath over about 1 second, only enough for visible chest rise. Continue 30 compressions and 2 breaths. Begin CPR with breaths before applying an AED after drowning. As soon as available, expose and dry the chest, attach pads and follow its prompts; use pediatric pads/attenuation if available. Do not delay CPR to find an AED. Nobody should touch the person during analysis or shock.
Continue and reassess
Continue until normal breathing or other clear signs of life return, trained help takes over, you are too exhausted to continue, or the scene becomes unsafe. Pause when the AED instructs, then promptly resume. If breathing normally but still unresponsive, maintain an open airway and follow the dispatcher; use a side-lying recovery position if appropriate and no suspected spine injury prevents it. Watch breathing continuously and restart CPR if normal breathing stops.
Hand placement and depth by age
Compress at 100–120 per minute on the lower half of the breastbone, allowing full recoil and minimizing pauses. For a child from age 1 until puberty, use one or two hands; press at least one third of the chest depth, about 2 inches (5 cm). For an infant under 1 year, use the heel of one hand or two thumbs with hands encircling the chest; press at least one third of its depth, about 1.5 inches (4 cm). The 2025 AHA guidance no longer recommends two-finger infant compressions.
For adults and people with signs of puberty, use two hands and compress at least 2 inches (5 cm), avoiding more than 2.4 inches (6 cm).
When medical care is needed
Call 911 for severe or labored breathing, blue or gray color, unresponsiveness, confusion with breathing distress, or a child who is difficult to wake. If unresponsive and not breathing normally, start CPR and follow the dispatcher. Anyone who needed CPR or rescue breaths after drowning needs emergency medical care.
A brief cough or sputter that resolves promptly, followed by completely normal breathing and behavior, can be observed by an attentive caregiver. Persistent or worsening cough, rapid or difficult breathing, unusual sleepiness or confusion require prompt medical care. If unsure whether your child is back to normal, contact a medical professional.
Prepare before an emergency
Take hands-on CPR/AED training. Use attentive supervision, barriers, life jackets and swimming instruction together to reduce drowning risk.
Print the CPR memory aid
Open the printable CPR quick card. This card supports hands-on training; it does not replace it.
Looking for low-cost classes? See where to find free CPR for kids training and which course names cover infants and children.
Sources and editorial update
AHA 2025 Adult Basic Life Support: adult compression technique and depth.
Updated October 15, 2026 by the WaterWiseKids Editorial Team using the guidance below. This educational reference does not replace CPR training, emergency dispatch instructions, or individual medical care.
