American Red Cross R.24 Lifeguarding Practice Exam 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

A passive drowning person typically exhibits behaviors that indicate a lack of movement or an inability to keep themselves afloat. Specifically, they may be unresponsive and appear to be either at the surface of the water or have sunk below it. This can happen when the person is in distress due to exhaustion, medical emergencies, or other factors that prevent them from trying to stay above water.

In contrast to more active behaviors like struggling, waving for help, or calling out, the passive drowning person's lack of movement can be deceptive, making it crucial for lifeguards and others to be vigilant in identifying individuals in distress, even if they aren't visibly struggling. Recognizing this subtlety can make a significant difference in response time and the effectiveness of rescue efforts. Understanding that passive drowning can occur without overt signs of distress underscores the importance of monitoring all individuals in the water, not just those who are visibly struggling.