Instinctive drowning response

Instinctive Drowning Response is a term coined by Francesco A. Pia, a water safety expert, to describe the instinctive reaction that individuals exhibit when they are struggling to avoid actual or perceived suffocation in the water. This response is often different from what people expect a drowning person to look like, leading to a lack of recognition and delayed assistance.

Overview[edit | edit source]

The Instinctive Drowning Response is a set of behaviors automatically initiated by a person's brain when they are in danger of drowning. This response is not a conscious choice, but rather an instinctive survival mechanism. It is characterized by several distinct actions and behaviors, which are often misunderstood or not recognized by bystanders.

Characteristics[edit | edit source]

The characteristics of the Instinctive Drowning Response include:

Lack of Control: The person is unable to control their arm movements. They cannot wave for help, reach for a rescue device, or perform voluntary movements like swimming towards safety or grabbing onto lifeguards.

Vertical Position: The person remains upright in the water, without any evidence of a supporting kick. This position is not conducive to forward movement or treading water, which can lead to further exhaustion and sinking.

Silence: The person cannot call out for help. The respiratory system is designed to breathe first and speak second. When a person is drowning, their mouth sinks below and reappears above the water surface, making it difficult to exhale, inhale, or call for help.

Hyperventilation or Gasping: The person is hyperventilating or gasping for air, which is a physiological response to fear and panic.

Eyes: The person's eyes may be glassy, unable to focus, or closed.

Misconceptions[edit | edit source]

Many people have misconceptions about what a drowning person looks like, often influenced by portrayals in movies and television. These portrayals often show a drowning person shouting and waving for help, which is contrary to the Instinctive Drowning Response. This can lead to a delay in recognizing and responding to a person who is drowning.

Prevention and Response[edit | edit source]

Understanding the Instinctive Drowning Response can help in preventing drownings and improving response times. Lifeguards, parents, and anyone involved in water activities should be educated about this response. It is also important to ensure that children learn to swim at a young age and that adults maintain their swimming skills.