"There is very little splashing, no waving, and no yelling or calls for help of any kind. "
So how do you know someone is in trouble? We waterpeople need to stay on top of this. We aren't doing our thing in swimming pools or public beaches with lifeguards keeping an eye on us. We depend on ourselves and each other. When someone is down in the water...no matter how good a sailor or surfer we know them to be...we need to be mindful of this. What are the signs? All of this from an excellent article on what to look for:
- Head low in the water, mouth at water level
- Head tilted back with mouth open
- Eyes glassy and empty, unable to focus
- Eyes closed
- Hair over forehead or eyes
- Not using legs—vertical
- Hyperventilating or gasping
- Trying to swim in a particular direction but not making headway
- Trying to roll over on the back
- Appear to be climbing an invisible ladder
Read Slate's article yourself: Drowning Doesn't Look Like Drowning.
Worthy post. The Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project occasionally posts similar info, along with tragic events. Find them on FB @glsrp
Posted by: Brian S | July 03, 2019 at 09:33 AM
Similar take from old USCG publication
“It Doesn’t Look Like Th ey’re Drowning”:https://mariovittone.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/OSFall06.pdf
page 14
I'd copy and paste but the spacing is all screwy. Also good article on cold water immersion. Found this linked in an article on bbc.com about a former Olympic swimmer that saved someone on holiday.
Posted by: William | July 09, 2019 at 01:52 AM