What is a common sign that someone is drowning?

The indication that someone is drowning often manifests as quietness and submersion, which can be particularly alarming. When a person is truly in distress in the water, they may not be able to shout for help due to panic or respiratory distress, often leading to silence. This contrasts with the typical portrayal of drowning, where individuals are loud and actively splashing, which can create a misleading perception of the situation. In this critical state, they may be unable to keep their head above water, and their body may sink below the surface, making it difficult to discern that they are in trouble. Understanding this sign is vital for lifeguards and responders, as the quiet nature of drowning can lead to delays in rescue if not recognized promptly.

Other behaviors such as loud shouting and splashing or excessive movement typically indicate that a person is swimming or trying to stay afloat, which is not indicative of the drowning scenario. Additionally, flailing arms may suggest distress, but it is not as telling as the lack of noise and the potential for submersion, making it crucial to focus on the correct signs of drowning.