What indicates an unconscious victim in water?

An unconscious victim in water is best indicated by being face down and motionless. This position suggests that the person is not actively swimming or attempting to keep themselves afloat, which are behaviors typically associated with conscious individuals in distress. When a victim is face down and not moving, it signifies a lack of awareness and indicates that they may require immediate rescue and assistance.

In contrast, thrashing about indicates a distressed swimmer who is still conscious and trying to stay afloat. A person floating upright may also suggest they are conscious, albeit potentially in a state of exhaustion or confusion. Slow movements might imply a struggle or fatigue but don’t necessarily indicate unconsciousness, as it could be a sign of someone still trying to remain afloat while experiencing difficulty. Therefore, recognizing a face-down and motionless victim as unconscious aligns with the understanding of how individuals behave when they are in a state of distress or have lost consciousness in the water.