The invention discloses a positioning device and a positioning method for a drowning person. The device comprises a shell made from a nonconductive material, a GPS (
global positioning system) positioning device, a
microprocessor, a memory, a Beidou positioning unit, a Beidou
communication unit, a rechargeable battery for supplying power, a power switch, a key, a display screen and a drowning switch, wherein the
GPS positioning device, the
microprocessor, the memory, the Beidou positioning unit, the Beidou
communication unit and the rechargeable battery are arranged in the shell; the power switch, the key, the display screen and the drowning switch are arranged on the shell; the
microprocessor is electrically connected with the Beidou positioning unit, the Beidou
communication unit, the
GPS positioning device, the power switch, the display screen, the key and the memory respectively; the drowning switch comprises two
metal sheets which are arranged on the rear surface of the shell at an interval of more than 4cm; one
metal sheet is grounded, and the other
metal sheet is electrically connected with the microprocessor. The device and the method have the characteristics of capability of quickly positioning the drowning person, determining the current state of the drowning person, knowing information about the drowning person in detail, bringing convenience to the rescue planning of a rescue department and improving the rescue efficiency, high stability and high reliability.