Nizhny Novgorod residents were told how to save a drowning person and not drown themselves.

      On July 12, 2026, at 11:07 AM, Society reported that six people drowned in the Nizhny Novgorod region over the past 24 hours, including a child. Almost a third of water-related accidents occur during attempts to save another person. Medical blogger Alexey Nikонов shared how to act correctly in such situations and avoid endangering one's own life on his channel "Bokal Presseka."

      He reminded that the international rescue protocols ILCOR recommend adhering to the concept of "Voice, Throw, Reach." Entering the water should only be done as a last resort, as this method of rescue is considered the most dangerous.

      The first stage is "Voice." It is necessary to give commands loudly and clearly, for example: "Swim to my voice! Turn on your back!" In a state of panic, a person's consciousness narrows, so a confident commanding voice can help them regain control.

      The next stage is "Throw." Ordinary objects that are at hand can be used as rescue tools: an empty five-liter bottle, a closed backpack, or a ball. It is recommended to throw them not at the person but in front of them.

      The third stage is "Reach." Long objects, such as a branch, paddle, scarf, or belt, will work for this. When providing assistance, one should not stand upright at the edge of the pier or slippery shore. Instead, one should lie on their stomach, spread their legs wide, and only after that extend the chosen object to the person.

      If entering the water cannot be avoided, one must approach the drowning person exclusively from behind. If they try to turn towards the rescuer, one should dive underwater—due to the fear of depth, the person will let go immediately.

      Then, the victim should be grabbed from behind under the armpits or by the hair, laid with their head on the rescuer's chest, and swim on their back, using their legs.

      Alexey Nikонов also explained how to act after a person has been pulled ashore. He urged to abandon the outdated method of placing the victim's stomach on the rescuer's knee and trying to "squeeze" the water out. According to him, such actions often cause harm.

      The medical blogger clarified that there is usually almost no water in the lungs due to the spasm of the vocal cords, while most of it is in the stomach. Attempting to "pour" it out can cause vomiting, which can block the airways.

      If the victim is unconscious and not breathing, they must be immediately laid on their back and CPR should be started.

      Earlier, a rescuer named the main reason why even good swimmers drown.

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