What indicates an unconscious victim in water?

An unconscious victim in water can often be identified by their position and lack of movement. When someone is face down and motionless, it indicates that they are not able to respond or swim to keep themselves afloat. This specific position is a strong indicator of unconsciousness because a person who is conscious typically would not remain still in such a vulnerable position in water.

In contrast, thrashing about usually indicates a person is struggling to stay afloat, which suggests they are conscious and attempting to rescue themselves. A floating upright position or exhibiting slow movements may also indicate some state of consciousness or ability to respond to the environment. Therefore, recognizing a victim who is face down and motionless is critical, as it demonstrates immediate distress and requires prompt rescue efforts.