If you see someone drowning, follow the St John DRSABCD Action Plan and call Triple Zero (000) for help. 

While you are waiting for assistance, get the drowning person out of the water if it is safe to do so. 

If you are not confident in the water or not strong enough, offer your hand, a stick, or a float for them to grab onto. 

Once the person is out of the water and they are conscious, sit or lie them down and reassure them. 

If they are unconscious, examine them while they are on their back with their head and body at the same level. Do not roll them onto their side unless their airway is blocked. If you can see what is blocking their airway, use a finger to sweep it out. Do not attempt to do this if you can’t see the object, as you may push the blockage deeper. 

If they do not respond and are not breathing, start CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation). If the person vomits during CPR, roll them onto their side and clear their airway. Leave them on their side if they are now breathing. 

If they are still unresponsive, return them to a position lying on their back and continue CPR. 

Even if they appear recovered, you should still call Triple Zero (000) for an ambulance. They will need close monitoring for signs of secondary drowning, such as chest pain, coughing, difficulty breathing and extreme tiredness.