A drowning victim will not be conscious or breathing, but before you can offer breath through CPR, you must first expel the water from their lungs. If the victim is light enough or if you have help, then pull him or her out of the water. It will be easier to deliver the Heimlich maneuver successfully before CPR (if CPR is still necessary).
Lay the victim on their back. Turn head to one side to allow the water to drain from the victim’s mouth.
Straddle the victim’s hips, facing him.
Place one hand on top of the other and push the heel of your bottom hand into the upper abdomen (below the ribcage and above the navel).
Push into the victim’s upper abdomen with a fast, upward thrust using your body weight.
Repeat until water no longer drains from the victim’s mouth.
For Drowning Victims (In the Water)
The water will help support the weight of the victim as you perform the Heimlich maneuver. However, you will have a better chance of success if the water is shallow enough for you to stand.
Wrap your arms around the victim’s waist from behind.
Make a fist and push the thumb side of the fist into the victim’s upper abdomen (below their ribcage, and above their navel).
Take hold of your fist with your other hand and push into the victim’s upper abdomen with a fast, upward thrust.
Do not squeeze with your arms. Do not squeeze their ribcage. Keep the force in your hands alone.
Repeat until water no longer drains from the victim’s mouth.