What are the early warning signs that someone may be drowning?

The early warning signs that someone may be drowning include behaviors that are often subtle and can be misinterpreted by those who are not trained to recognize them. In this case, when hair is in the eyes and the individual is waving their hands, it indicates a distress situation. This behavior stems from the person struggling and attempting to keep their head above water. Instead of the typical splashing or loud cries for help, drowning can be a silent struggle, and the person may not be able to call out for assistance due to the physiological struggles they are experiencing.

Recognizing these types of signs, which may seem innocuous, is crucial for timely intervention. The presence of hair in the eyes coupled with hand waving serves as critical indicators of distress, warranting immediate attention. This contrasts sharply with signs of someone who is not in distress, such as calmly floating on their back or swimming strokes that appear controlled.