New CPR guidelines for drowning emergencies emphasize rescue breaths

The American Heart Association and American Academy of Pediatrics urge public awareness, as drowning remains a leading cause of death in children.

As swim season ramps up, the American Heart Association and American Academy of Pediatrics are highlighting updated CPR guidance specifically for drowning emergencies. Though the changes took effect in November, doctors are pushing for greater public awareness now that more families are around water.

Why the Guidelines Changed

Drowning is the third leading cause of unintentional death worldwide, according to the CDC. For children, the risk is even more severe.

Russell Holder, a pediatrician at Utica Park Clinic in Muskogee, says the updated guidelines reflect research showing improved survival rates when rescue breaths are added to CPR after a drowning.

“Drowning is the third most common cause of death for unintentional deaths worldwide,” Holder said. “It is the first most common in kids aged one through 4, and then it's the second most common in kids aged 5 through 17.”

What’s New in CPR for Drowning

The biggest change: CPR for drowning should always include both rescue breaths and chest compressions.

This is especially important in cases where cardiac arrest results from drowning—a common scenario, particularly in children.

The American Heart Association now recommends the following steps when someone is pulled from the water:

1. Check for signs of breathing for 10 seconds.
2. If there are no signs, begin 30 chest compressions followed by two rescue breaths.
3. Continue the cycle until emergency responders arrive.

“If there’s not normal signs of breathing within the first 10 seconds, then you should start CPR,” Holder said. “And you should be doing CPR with rescue breaths.”

What Untrained Bystanders Can Do

The new guidelines include easy-to-follow steps for the general public, even those without formal CPR training. Both organizations emphasize that immediate action saves lives, and rescue breaths are especially crucial in drowning cases, where oxygen deprivation is the main threat.

Looking Ahead

Doctors and health officials are encouraging parents and caregivers to review the new guidelines ahead of summer outings, pool days and vacations.

The full CPR updates for drowning scenarios are available here.