✂️ Cut along the dashed lines
Signs of Drowning
It is silent · act fast
Head low, mouth at the water line, bobbing.
Head tilted back, mouth open, gasping for air.
Eyes glassy & empty or closed; hair over the face.
Vertical, no kick; arms pressing down like climbing a ladder.
Quiet — no splashing, no calling, no waving.
Ask “Are you OK?” — no clear answer = ACT. Call 911.
WaterWiseKids.com
Signs of Drowning
It is silent · act fast
Head low, mouth at the water line, bobbing.
Head tilted back, mouth open, gasping for air.
Eyes glassy & empty or closed; hair over the face.
Vertical, no kick; arms pressing down like climbing a ladder.
Quiet — no splashing, no calling, no waving.
Ask “Are you OK?” — no clear answer = ACT. Call 911.
WaterWiseKids.com
The Silent Warning Signs (Watch, Don't Listen)
- Head low in the water, mouth at water level. The face sinks and reappears at the surface as they fight for air.
- Head tilted back with the mouth open, reaching upward to breathe.
- Eyes glassy and empty, unable to focus — or eyes closed. A vacant, panicked stare.
- Hair over the forehead or eyes, not pushed away.
- Body vertical with no supporting kick, not making progress in any direction.
- Arms pressing down at the sides, as if trying to climb an invisible ladder — they cannot wave or reach for a rope.
- Silent. No splashing, no yelling. A swimmer who suddenly goes quiet may be in the most trouble.
Distress vs. Drowning (Catch It Early)
- Aquatic distress (earlier stage): can still call out, wave, and grab a thrown float or pole — they can help in their own rescue. This is your best window to act calmly.
- Active drowning (silent stage): cannot speak, wave, or reach for a line — only presses down on the water. Lasts about 20–60 seconds before going under.
- Don't wait for obvious struggle. A swimmer who is tiring, drifting to deep water, bobbing, or going quiet is already telling you something. Move early.
The Moment You Spot It — What to Do
- Do the "Are you OK?" check. Call the child's name. A thumbs-up, an answer, or eye contact = likely fine. A blank stare or no response = seconds count, act now.
- Reach or throw from safety. Extend a pole, towel, or your arm; if they're too far, throw anything that floats. Don't swim out unless trained and holding flotation.
- Get them out and call 911. Point to one person: "You — call 911 now," so it doesn't fall through the cracks.
- Start CPR if unresponsive and you're trained. Drowning is a breathing emergency first — rescue breaths matter.
- Get a medical check. Any child who was submerged should be evaluated by a professional, even if they seem fine afterward.
- Teach kids the rule: "If they're quiet and still, get help — don't go in." A child's job is to find an adult, never to attempt a rescue.