What is 'active drowning'?

Active drowning is characterized by a swimmer who is struggling to breathe and is making visible efforts to keep their head above water. During this phase, the swimmer is aware of the situation and is actively trying to inhale but cannot due to being submerged or overwhelmed by water. This struggle is a key indicator of active drowning; the swimmer may be thrashing about and attempting to signal for help, but their ability to call out or make noise is severely impaired due to gasping for air. An understanding of this type of drowning is crucial for lifeguards and others who may encounter someone in distress in the water, as recognizing these signs can aid in timely and effective rescue efforts.

The other scenarios described do not accurately represent active drowning. For example, unconsciousness suggests that the individual has already lost the ability to respond or struggle, which occurs in a different phase of drowning. Similarly, a swimmer floating on their back is typically in a state of rest or relaxation, indicating they are not in distress. Lastly, the presence of bystanders being aware of the struggle does not define active drowning; rather, the focus should be on the swimmer's actions and signs of distress.