If you see someone in the water shouting for help and waving their arms, this is called \u2018aquatic distress\u2019. This person may be very near to drowning \u2013 they need help. But someone who is actually in the process of drowning looks very different.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Drowning can be silent. It is possible for someone to drown next to other people unnoticed, simply because the people around fail to recognise the signs of drowning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It\u2019s important that everyone is aware of the signs of drowning:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Head back<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Their head is either tilted back with mouth open, or low in the water with their mouth at water level<\/p>\n\n\n\n Upright position<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Look to see if they are vertical in the water and not using their legs<\/p>\n\n\n\n Panicked eyes<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Their eyes are closed or, if open, they appear glassy and empty. They struggle to focus or hold eye contact<\/p>\n\n\n\n Panicked face<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n People often hyperventilate or gasp for air. If they have long hair it may be over their forehead or eyes, instead of pushed back from their face<\/p>\n\n\n\n Tell-tale movements<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Some people look like they are climbing an invisible ladder, trying to stay buoyant. Or they may be stressed, trying to swim in a particular direction and not making headway.<\/p>\n\n\n\n