What behavior would characterize a distressed swimmer?

A distressed swimmer typically exhibits behaviors that suggest difficulty in maintaining their buoyancy and control in the water. Treading water with little or no forward progress is a key indicator of distress. This behavior often arises when the swimmer is exhausted, struggling to keep their head above water, or unable to swim effectively.

In contrast, swimming briskly indicates confidence and skill, while floating calmly is associated with relaxation and safety, rather than distress. Additionally, calling for help loudly demonstrates a clear communication of danger, which is an outward expression of distress but may not showcase an inability to swim at all. Recognizing these behaviors, especially the subtle signs of a distressed swimmer, is crucial for coaches and lifeguards to ensure prompt and effective responses to potential emergencies in the water.