drownproofing

[ droun-proo-fing ]
/ ˈdraʊnˌpru fɪŋ /

noun

a survival technique, for swimmers or nonswimmers, in which the body is allowed to float vertically in the water, with the head submerged, the lungs filled with air, and the arms and legs relaxed, the head being raised to breathe every ten seconds or so.

Origin of drownproofing

1965–70; drown + -proof + -ing1, modeled on waterproofing, etc.

Words nearby drownproofing

Definition for drownproofing (2 of 2)

drownproof
[ droun-proof ]
/ ˈdraʊnˌpruf /

verb (used with object)

to teach (a person) the technique of drownproofing.

Origin of drownproof

First recorded in 1975–80; back formation from drownproofing