We have all heard the horror stories. Mom walks away for a second to answer the ringing phone and she comes back to her lifeless child's body in the bathtub. Children are drowning from playing in the pool, the creek, the pond or the canals. After 5 minutes of submersion and 10 minutes of unsuccessful resuscitation attempts, it is likely the child will die or be brain damaged. Here is how you can give your child an increased chance of complete recovery if they should ever be drowning. Learn CPR.

(This information is from a lifeguarding certification course I took years ago. Please notify me if adjustments need to be made to make this hub current, thank you.)

STEP 1: Pull the victim out of the water. If the water is turbulent and you are not trained in water rescue, cannot swim, or otherwise feel you will put yourself in danger, call for help.

STEP 2: Rescue breaths in 5 second intervals. While you are pulling the victim to land, provide a rescue breath every 5 seconds to the victim.While you are pulling the victim to land, provide a rescue breath every 5 seconds to the victim.

STEP 3: Lay victim on their back, begin CPR.

* With one hand flat, grasp your dominant hand over the top (palm down). And lace fingers. ("E.R." fans know.) Place between victim's nipples. * Begin compressions. 1 ½ - 2inches deep. At a rate of 100 compressions per minute. (So you you want them to be less than a second apart.) After 30 compressions, stop and give rescue breaths. * Rescue breaths. Give 2 rescue breaths, holding nose and sealing the victim's entire mouth with yours. * Resume compressions. 30 compressions, 2 rescue breaths.

STEP 4: Heimlich maneuver. Use the Heimlich only if it seems there is gross blockage obstructing the victim's airway and CPR has been unsuccessful.

STEP 5: Performing the Heimlich.

*Stand behind the victim and wrap your arms around her belly. *Make a fist with one hand and wrap the other hand around, thumb up. Place just above the navel (belly button). *Thrust up. Repeat until the blockage is released.

* If you cannot be helpful, move out of the way. You may be worried and scared, but you will need to let the people who know what they are doing help your loved one.

* Use of the Heimlich maneuver with drowning victims is agreed be some, disagreed by others. The American Heart Association says "No". Other credible sources say "Yes". You will have to use your judgment.

* Call 9-1-1 as soon as possible. The operator will be able to help you with CPR until the medics arrive.