Drowning
Survivors often describe the physical and psychological journey of drowning with vivid, haunting detail. [1, 5]
: For many, the initial panic is replaced by a sense of exhaustion and, eventually, a feeling of "falling asleep" or a quiet acceptance of the end. [16, 3] The Metaphor: Drowning on Dry Land Drowning
: It is frequently described as a "burning sensation" as water enters the lungs. [34, 5] Some survivors recall a period of intense pain followed by a strange, detached calm or "bliss" as consciousness fades. [3, 16] [34, 5] Some survivors recall a period of
: Once the instinctive response begins, a victim may only be able to struggle on the surface for 20 to 60 seconds before complete submersion occurs. [32, 10] The Experience: In the Depths The mouth sinks and reappears, barely allowing enough
: When a person is truly drowning, their body enters a physiological state where they are unable to call for help. The mouth sinks and reappears, barely allowing enough time to gasp for air, let alone shout. [24, 32]
