What is happening?

What to do

1. In the water: float on your back, head tilted back and ears in the water. Spread arms and legs. Move them gently to float and control breathing.
2. In a river: float on your back, feet downstream and hips raised. This helps you see what is ahead. The swim-parallel-to-a-beach rule does not apply.
3. Hold something that floats. Call for help when you can breathe. Avoid exhausting yourself trying to escape. Follow the rescuer.
4. In fast-moving water, do not stand up because your feet could become trapped. Keep your feet up and point them downstream while floating on your back. Do not try to swim against the current or across the whole river. Avoid branches and other obstacles. Follow help from the bank.