The Relation of Drowning Rescue Methods with the Rescuer in Cinema

The use of various rescue methods for coping with drowning as a subject of research is scarce.

With a chi-square statistical analysis in a criterion/convenient sample of film scenes (n=430), it was aimed to reveal how the various rescue methods relate to the rescuer and other related sub-variables. Results confirm that cinematography indeed passes several right and wrong hidden messages to their viewers. It was also found that although the rescue type was not related with the rescuer’s age (p=0.836), body composition (p=0.437) and ethnicity (p=0.849), it was related with the type of the rescuer (if any) that attempted to save the drowning victim (p<0.001; i.e., amateur or professional), the rescuer’s gender (p=0.027) and clothing (p=0.019) and the victim’s early approach (p<0.001).

To the degree that our findings correspond with reality, film scenes may be used as means of water safety education in lifesaving and lifeguard classes.