Which term describes a patron who is having trouble in the water?

The term that describes a patron who is having trouble in the water is "distress." When an individual is in distress, it indicates they are experiencing difficulty and may struggle to keep their head above water or remain buoyant. This state can manifest as visible signs such as flailing arms, difficulty breathing, or a plea for help, signaling to lifeguards and others that immediate assistance is required.

Understanding the term "distress" is crucial for lifeguards because recognizing it allows for prompt intervention to prevent escalation into a more dangerous situation, such as drowning. It's important for lifeguards to be trained to identify these signs quickly, as it can make a significant difference in the outcome of a rescue scenario.

In contrast, the terms presented as other choices refer to different aspects of emergencies in aquatics. While "panic" refers to a state of heightened fear or anxiety that may lead to disorganized behavior, "injury" signifies physical harm that an individual may have incurred. "Rescue" is the action taken to assist someone in distress but does not describe the state of the individual themselves. Thus, "distress" accurately encapsulates the condition of a patron struggling in the water.