Which statement best describes a distressed swimmer?

Which statement best describes a distressed swimmer?

• A. A person who cannot call for help and remains vertical underwater
• B. A person who can keep their face out of the water, call or wave for help, and maintain a horizontal, vertical, or diagonal body position
• C. A person fully submerged and unconscious
• D. A person who dives repeatedly for objects underwater

Answer: (B)

A distressed swimmer is someone who is in trouble but still able to respond. They can keep their face out of the water, can call for help or wave to get attention, and their body may be in a variety of positions (horizontal, vertical, or diagonal) as they struggle to stay afloat. This shows they’re not yet unconscious or fully submerged, but they’re tired and need assistance to reach safety. In contrast, someone who cannot call for help and remains vertical underwater would be unable to respond, and someone fully submerged and unconscious is not able to participate in any communication or self-support. A person diving for objects isn’t in distress—it’s a different activity altogether.

A distressed swimmer is someone who is in trouble but still able to respond. They can keep their face out of the water, can call for help or wave to get attention, and their body may be in a variety of positions (horizontal, vertical, or diagonal) as they struggle to stay afloat. This shows they’re not yet unconscious or fully submerged, but they’re tired and need assistance to reach safety. In contrast, someone who cannot call for help and remains vertical underwater would be unable to respond, and someone fully submerged and unconscious is not able to participate in any communication or self-support. A person diving for objects isn’t in distress—it’s a different activity altogether.