Western Australia’s summer lifestyle revolves around water—beaches, backyard pools, rivers, lakes, boats and holidays up north. While this is one of the best parts of living in WA, it also brings a serious and often misunderstood risk: drowning and near drowning.
Drowning is fast, silent, and preventable. It does not look like what most people expect, and outcomes depend heavily on how quickly correct first aid begins. In WA, drowning incidents increase sharply during summer weekends, school holidays and heatwaves.
This article is written specifically for WA conditions and follows Australian Resuscitation Council (ANZCOR) guidance. You’ll learn:
- What drowning and near drowning actually look like
- High risk water environments in WA
- Step by step first aid response using DRSABCD
- CPR considerations for drowning casualties
- After care and when to seek medical help
- Child, adult and bystander safety
- Why First Aid Courses in Perth are critical for summer readiness
Why Drowning Risk Is Higher in WA Summer
WA combines several risk factors:
- Long coastline with powerful surf and rips
- Backyard pools and spas
- Rivers, dams and estuaries
- Boating, fishing and snorkelling
- Alcohol use around water
- Visitors unfamiliar with local conditions
- Children home during school holidays
Many drowning incidents occur within metres of safety and with other people nearby.
Understanding Drowning (It’s Not What Movies Show)
Drowning is a process, not an event.
What drowning usually looks like:
- Silent distress
- Head tilted back, mouth at water level
- Weak or ineffective movements
- Vertical body position
- No waving or calling for help
In children, it may look like:
- Quiet submersion
- Face down floating
- No splashing or noise
If someone looks like they might be in trouble in the water—assume they are.
Near Drowning: A Medical Emergency
Near drowning occurs when a person survives a drowning incident but has inhaled water or experienced oxygen deprivation.
Even if the person appears fine, complications can develop hours later, including:
- Breathing difficulties
- Lung inflammation
- Delayed respiratory distress
All near drowning incidents require medical assessment.
Water Safety First: Protect Yourself
Before helping, consider your own safety.
Safe rescue priorities:
- Reach with an object (towel, pole, branch)
- Throw a flotation aid
- Row or use a boat if trained
- Go into the water only if trained and safe
Many drownings involve would be rescuers.
First Aid for Drowning: ANZCOR Aligned Response
Step 1: Get the person out of the water safely
- Remove from water as quickly and safely as possible
- Lay them flat on their back
Step 2: Follow DRSABCD
D – Danger
Ensure the area is safe for you and the casualty.
R – Response
Check for responsiveness.
S – Send for help
Call 000 immediately. If others are present, delegate.
A – Airway
Open the airway. Remove visible obstructions.
B – Breathing
Check for normal breathing.
If the Person Is NOT Breathing Normally
CPR for Drowning (Critical)
- Start CPR immediately
- 30 chest compressions : 2 breaths
- Continue until help arrives or the person recovers
- Use an AED as soon as available
Important: Rescue breaths are essential in drowning because the primary problem is lack of oxygen.
If the Person IS Breathing
- Place in the recovery position
- Keep them warm
- Monitor breathing closely
- Treat for shock
- Do not give food or drink
- Await medical assessment
Vomiting After Drowning
Vomiting is common after drowning.
First aid:
- Turn head to the side
- Clear airway
- Continue monitoring
- Be ready to recommence CPR if breathing stops
Special Considerations for Children
Children can deteriorate rapidly after submersion.
Key points:
- Even brief submersion is dangerous
- Children may appear alert then worsen
- All submersion events require medical review
- Never delay calling 000
Backyard pools remain one of the highest risk locations for WA children.
Drowning Risks in Common WA Environments
Beaches
- Rips and shore dump
- Swim at patrolled beaches
- Between the red and yellow flags
Rivers & Dams
- Cold shock
- Hidden obstacles
- Sudden depth changes
Pools & Spas
- Lack of fencing
- Unsupervised children
- Slippery surrounds
Boating & Fishing
- Falls overboard
- Alcohol involvement
- No lifejackets
Hypothermia After Water Rescue
Even in summer, water exposure can cause hypothermia, especially in children.
First aid:
- Remove wet clothing
- Dry and cover with blankets
- Avoid rapid re warming
- Monitor closely
What NOT to Do
- DO NOT delay CPR
- DO NOT “wait and see”
- DO NOT give alcohol
- DO NOT assume recovery means safety
- DO NOT leave the person alone
When to Call 000 (Always)
Call 000 immediately for:
- Any drowning or near drowning
- Unconsciousness
- Abnormal breathing
- CPR required
- Children involved
- Water inhalation
Early emergency response saves lives.
Prevention: The Best First Aid
Effective water safety includes:
- Active adult supervision
- Pool fencing and gates
- Swimming lessons
- Lifejackets when boating
- Avoiding alcohol around water
- Understanding rip currents
- Learning CPR
Why First Aid Training Saves Lives Around Water
Drowning outcomes depend on minutes, not hours.
People trained through First Aid Courses in Perth are more likely to:
- Recognise drowning early
- Perform CPR confidently
- Use an AED correctly
- Act without hesitation
- Save lives before paramedics arrive
Training turns bystanders into rescuers.
Summer Ready First Aid Courses in Perth
At First Aid Certified, our nationally recognised courses include:
- CPR and AED training
- Drowning and water related emergencies
- Child and infant CPR
- Workplace and community first aid
- Real WA summer scenarios
👉 Around water this summer? Book your First Aid Courses in Perth or CPR Course Perth with First Aid Certified and be ready when seconds count.
Final Takeaway
WA summers and water go hand in hand—but drowning is silent, fast and unforgiving. The difference between tragedy and survival is often who acts first and how well they’re trained.
Know the signs. Follow DRSABCD. Start CPR early.
And make sure your first aid skills are current before you head anywhere near the water.