What distinguishes passive drowning from active drowning?

The correct answer highlights a critical difference between passive and active drowning. In the case of passive drowning, the individual shows no signs of struggle. This means that the person may be submerged and unable to resurface, often due to sudden loss of consciousness, medical emergencies, or being incapacitated in some way. They do not exhibit the physical thrashing or splashing that characterizes active drowning, where the person is visibly struggling for air.

This distinction is important for lifeguards and rescuers, as the absence of struggle in passive drowning can make it less noticeable, leading to potentially delayed intervention. Understanding this difference is crucial in preventing fatalities and ensuring that drowning victims are identified and assisted quickly.

In contrast, while passive drowning may require immediate assistance, it is not solely defined by the need for aid. Other aspects such as the lack of observable struggle are what primarily delineate the two. Similarly, while passive drowning might occur more frequently in certain situations, that is not a defining feature when distinguishing it from active drowning. The emphasis on visible signs of struggle is what truly sets active drowning apart from passive drowning.