Glossary
Aquatic distress
The stage before drowning, when a swimmer in trouble may still yell, wave or grab a thrown float. They need help right away.
Aquatic distress is the stage when a swimmer is in trouble but can still help in their own rescue. A retired Coast Guard rescue swimmer, writing in an article published by the U.S. Army (opens in a new tab), explains that a person yelling for help and thrashing is in aquatic distress: they are in real trouble, but they may still be able to grab a rope, a ring buoy or a life jacket. If help doesn't come, aquatic distress can turn into the silent instinctive drowning response.
The American Red Cross (opens in a new tab) says a swimmer needs immediate help if they:
- are not making forward progress in the water;
- are upright but can't move or tread water;
- are motionless and face down.
This is the moment to act: shout for help, have someone call 911, and reach or throw something that floats without going in. See reach or throw, don't go and what drowning looks like.
What you can do today: keep something that floats, such as a ring buoy or life jacket, where you swim, so it is ready to throw.