What are the stages of drowning?

The stages of drowning are often described as an initial struggle, followed by distress, then leading to unconsciousness, and potentially resulting in death. Understanding these stages is important for recognizing the signs of drowning and intervening effectively.

In the initial struggle, a person may actively try to keep their head above water and seek help. This struggle can quickly escalate to distress, where the individual becomes aware of their inability to rescue themselves and may attempt to call for help or wave for assistance. If the situation continues without intervention, the person can become exhausted and then lose consciousness due to a lack of oxygen. If not rescued at this point, the ultimate outcome can be death from drowning.

This sequence highlights the critical window for rescue and intervention after the initial struggle and distress stages. Recognizing these stages is vital for lifeguards and bystanders to respond quickly and potentially save a life.