Which of the following would NOT be considered a signal for potential drowning?

Which of the following would NOT be considered a signal for potential drowning?

• A. Vigorous arm movements
• B. Silent and with no movement
• C. Struggling to stay above water
• D. Looking panicked

Answer: (A)

The situation described where there are vigorous arm movements is typically associated with a swimmer who is in control and actively swimming rather than drowning. In fact, swimmers who are in distress and at risk of drowning often show signs of panic, struggle, or quiet distress. Vigorous arm movements can indicate a swimmer is trying to swim or maneuver effectively, which contrasts with the significant signs of drowning, such as silence and lack of movement, struggling to stay afloat, or looking panicked. These latter signals reflect the inability to swim competently or communicate distress effectively. Proper understanding of these signals is crucial for swim coaches when ensuring participant safety around water.

The situation described where there are vigorous arm movements is typically associated with a swimmer who is in control and actively swimming rather than drowning. In fact, swimmers who are in distress and at risk of drowning often show signs of panic, struggle, or quiet distress. Vigorous arm movements can indicate a swimmer is trying to swim or maneuver effectively, which contrasts with the significant signs of drowning, such as silence and lack of movement, struggling to stay afloat, or looking panicked. These latter signals reflect the inability to swim competently or communicate distress effectively. Proper understanding of these signals is crucial for swim coaches when ensuring participant safety around water.