How to recognize a drowning person: knowledge that saves lives

Most people sincerely believe that they will be able to recognize a drowning person if they are nearby. They imagine cries, splashes, and waving hands, as in the movies. In reality, the situation looks quite different. A drowning person often looks as if they are just trying to stay afloat. They do not scream, wave, or attract attention. And it is this silence that makes drowning one of the most cunning causes of death. The ability to recognize a drowning person is a skill that can save a life. And it does not require special preparation, only attention and knowledge of several key signs.

The main myth: a drowning person cries

Let's start with the most dangerous misconception. In Hollywood movies, drowning people always loudly call for help, wave their hands, and beat the water. In reality, it's the opposite. When a person drowns, their body automatically switches to survival mode. They cannot scream because their respiratory system is blocked: every breath is so difficult. The vocal cords cannot produce sound because all attention is focused on trying to swallow air. The person does not wave their hands; instead, they reflexively press them against their sides, trying to push themselves out of the water. There are no rhythmic movements, only chaotic, sharp jerks.

Therefore, if you see someone in the water who is silent, looking at one point, their body is almost vertical, and their hands seem to be glued to their torso, this is not a game. This is an instinctive reaction of a drowning person. It lasts from 20 to 60 seconds. And it is during these seconds that it is decided whether the person will survive or not.

The instinctive reaction of a drowning person: what it is and how it looks

The term \"instinctive reaction of a drowning person\" was introduced by the doctor Francesco Pia in the 1970s. He described a series of signs by which you can accurately identify a person who physically cannot call for help. Here are the key ones:

• Silence. The person does not scream or talk. All their strength goes into keeping their mouth above the water.
• No hand movement above the water. Instead of waving, hands go under the water or are at shoulder level. They make chaotic, \"sculling\" movements that do not create momentum.
• Vertical body position. The person does not lie on the water, does not swim — they stand in the water almost vertically, as if trying to stand on their toes.
• Head thrown back. In an attempt to breathe, the person throws their head back and opens their mouth.
• Loss of focus of the gaze. The eyes are either closed or glassy, the pupils are dilated, the gaze is \"nowhere\".
• Change of breathing. Before going under the water, the person may take several gasping breaths with a characteristic \"squeaking\". These are the last attempts to swallow air.

If you notice even one of these signs, do not wait. Time is working against you. You have no more than a minute to intervene.

What distinguishes a drowning person from a tired swimmer

It is important not to confuse a drowning person with someone who is just tired or resting. A tired swimmer usually stays on the water horizontally, their movements are rhythmic and purposeful. They can breathe calmly, talk, and ask for help. A drowning person, however, cannot talk; their movements are uncoordinated, they do not control their body. They try, but they cannot move towards the shore or a boat.

Another distinguishing feature is that a tired swimmer can swim with their head up or flip over on their back. A drowning person, however, is almost always in a vertical position, their face and head barely stay above the water. If you are unsure, ask: \"Do you need help?\". If the person is conscious, they will be able to nod or exhale a word. If they do not respond or look at you with a blank expression, this is a dangerous signal.

Especially careful attention should be paid to children. Children drown silently and quickly. They can go under water for 20 seconds in front of their parents who have just turned away for a moment. It is important not only to know the signs but also to constantly watch over children in the water.

Physiology of drowning: why we cannot scream

To understand why
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