Drowning Does Not Look Dramatic

http://spotthedrowningchild.com

Instinctive Drowning Response is silent, undramatic. ~375 of 750 children drown within 25 yards of adults annually. 10% of cases - adults watch without recognizing.

Key characteristics:

• Cannot call for help - breathing takes priority over speech
• Mouth bobs above/below water - quick breaths only
• Cannot wave - arms press down for leverage
• Vertical position, no kicking
• Lasts 20-60 seconds before submersion

Signs to watch:

• Head low, mouth at water level
• Head back, mouth open
• Glassy/empty eyes
• Vertical position
• Gasping
• No forward progress
• Climbing invisible ladder
• Silence (especially in children)