What typically indicates that a person may be in distress?

Flailing arms and shouting are clear indicators that a person is in distress while in the water. These behaviors signal a struggle for help and highlight that the individual is unable to remain calm or swim effectively. When someone is in distress, their body language often becomes frantic, reflecting their urgent need for assistance. Additionally, shouting is an obvious vocal cue, communicating that the individual is facing difficulty and needs urgent intervention.

The other behaviors can often be misinterpreted or may not necessarily indicate distress, as calm swimming movements suggest competence in the water and a lack of emergency, while rapid, deep breaths might be normal in certain situations but not a definitive sign of distress. Subtle head bobbing could indicate fatigue or a slight struggle, but it is less visible and noticeable than the active behaviors associated with distress. In summary, the combination of flailing arms and vocal distress creates a vivid picture of someone in immediate need of help.