Divers Alert Network

Pop culture depicts drowning as a dramatic event filled with splashing, waving, and shouting for help. But as divers and water enthusiasts, we should know the truth: Drowning is often deceptively quiet.

Whether you are on a dive boat, at the beach or lake, or by the pool, be vigilant for signs of drowning:

• GLASSY OR CLOSED EYES | Unable to focus eyes; hair over eyes.
• VERTICAL POSTURE | Body upright in the water, head low, or head tilted back with the mouth open at water level.
• "INVISIBLE LADDER" CLIMBING | Arms extended laterally, pressing down on the water to lift the mouth up, with no supportive kicking.
• LACK OF HEADWAY | Trying to tread water, roll over, or swim but not making progress.
• HYPERVENTILATING OR GASPING
• QUIET | Physiologically unable to call out for help.*

🚨 Anyone who plans to go out on a boat or to participate in activities near a body of water should be familiar with the factors involved in drowning and with accepted rescue and resuscitation techniques. Read more at DAN.org/what-drowning-really-looks-like.

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*During the instinctive drowning response, the respiratory system prioritizes breathing over speech — usually rendering the person unable to call for help. Conversely, shouting indicates aquatic distress, a warning phase where the individual can still reach for rescue equipment, but which can quickly progress to full drowning if left unassisted.