The simplest way to get a drowning person off you is to go down. With your arms at your sides, push up, like the reverse of when you&#x27;re trying to lunge out of the water. As soon as the drowning person&#x27;s head goes below water they will let go and you can come back for another attempt.<p>Don&#x27;t punch them, it&#x27;s less effective and can knock them unconscious, which can complicate the rescue.<p>Source: was a trained and certified lifeguard and swim teacher in my teens.