TIME IS CRUCIAL in water accidents. It only takes a moment to drown. Once a person has stopped breathing there are very few minutes in which to revive them.

LAY RESCUERS AND EMS - No matter how efficient, it is not likely that EMS personnel can arrive in time to save a drowning victim. It is the lay person who is at the drowning who can make the difference. If you know CPR you can support the victim until the professionals arrive.