What should a person do when they are drowning?

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Sri Lanka Life Saving states that in the event of drowning, the first step that one must adhere to is to scream for assistance. 

Noting that deaths due to drowning, especially at remote rural areas has increased, the President of Sri Lanka Life Saving, Asanka Nanayakkara stated that caution must be exercised at all times, and to not to go swimming in remote areas, especially places that are advertised on social media. 

He further said that one must grab onto something or even throw something when they are drowning, and anyone who is on the shore MUST NOT jump in after them, in order to reduce the number of persons to be rescued. 

Moreover, he added that the first step that should be taken after rescuing the drowning person is to administer CPR to them, and afterwards to take them to the hospital, in an emergency vehicle. 

DO NOT simply go and jump into water bodies that are remote and are located without any warning of their safety level, he emphasized.