Most people consider drowning as one of their worst nightmares, that’s why many of us are wary of the water.
Nothing sets the heart racing so fast the time you realize you are already out of your depth.
If you think swimming at your local lido is risky, just imagine how it’s like being a U.S. Navy Seal. They are in hostile territory and always threatened by Mother Nature with drowning.
Former Navy Seal Clint Emerson has just published a book about 100 important skills learned in the US Navy and it is incredibly insightful, even though the scenarios provided are terrifying.
Clint’s 100 Deadly Skills: The SEAL Operative’s Guide explains what you need to do if someone or something tries to drown you, whether that be in shallow water or a rough sea.
He wrote:
“When an operative is captured in hostile territory, the odds of survival are low.
Instead of being taken to trial, he will likely simply be made to “disappear” — which is why operatives practice escaping while wearing undefeatable restraints on hands and feet, both in water and on land.
Tied up, thrown into open waters, and left to drown to death, the well-trained operative still has recourse to a few skills that can help extend his life until he is found or reaches solid ground.”
How can you survive if you’re being drowned?
“When it comes to self-preservation in water, the key to survival is breath control. With the lungs full of air, the human body is buoyant — so deep breaths and quick exhales are key.
Buoyancy in freshwater is more challenging but still achievable. Panicking, which can lead to hyperventilation, is the number-one enemy to survival.
Restraints and body positioning may make breathing a challenge, but repositioning is always within the Nomad’s grasp. In shallow waters, use a sinking and bouncing approach (see diagram below) to travel toward shore, ricocheting off the seabed or lake floor up to the surface for an inhale.
When facing down, whether floating in place or using a backward kicking motion to swim to shore, the operative should arch his back in order to raise his head above water.”
He also added:
“In rough seas, this may not give him enough clearance to get his head out of water. Instead, a full body rotation will allow him to take a deep breath and then continue travelling forward.”
Hopefully, these techniques can save many lives from fortuitous events. Don’t forget to SHARE this info with family and friends!