In-Water Signs of Distress

Anyone who sails or engages in water sports should learn to recognize the signs of in-water distress and drowning. Popular culture says that drowning is a loud affair, with lots of yelling and frantic splashing. The U.S. Coast Guard notes that in reality, people make very little noise as they drown.

  1. Drowning Facts

    • Drowning takes much less time than most people think. An adult non-swimmer can remain afloat for only about 60 seconds before sinking, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Babies and small children sink within 20 seconds. Relatively few people understand how quietly people drown, which has lead to children drowning in full view of their parents, the CDC reports.

    Aquatic Distress

    • Splashing and yelling for help do occur when someone experiences aquatic distress. A person experiencing aquatic distress retains enough control to grab lifelines or flotation devices, according to Marine Safety Specialist Mario Vittone. People may also panic at this stage and cling to would-be rescuers, a dangerous situation that can place the rescuer in danger of drowning. Aquatic distress is not common, and without assistance quickly develops into true drowning.

    Instinctive Drowning Response

    • True drowning triggers a set of involuntary actions known as the instinctive drowning response, according to Vittone. The drowning person's mouth bobs under and out of the water, with little time to draw breath. The person cannot yell because all effort centers on trying to breathe. The arms instinctively spread to the sides and push down, trying to push the mouth out of the water. The person loses voluntary control of arm movement, so cannot wave for assistance.

    Identifying In-Water Distress

    • Anyone yelling, waving or splashing in the water could require assistance. True drowning is more difficult to spot. The U.S. Coast Guard reports that drowning signs include mouths at water level and a lack of vertical kicking. Eyes seem glassy, empty or closed. Hair may hang over the face but the person does not attempt to push it away. Gasping and hyperventilating occurs when the mouth breaks water, and the mouth remains open. The person seems unresponsive and does not call out or wave.