Ask A Question - Fill in the Blanks

One of my duties in the library includes participating in The Albert Library's Ask A Question service. From time to time I will post some of the questions that I have answered over the last three years. My latest response to a query is as follows:

Hello and thank you for using the “Ask A Question” service.

Your “question” is: fill in the blank _____ drowning victims may struggle on the surface for a short period before submerging, while a ______ drowning victims can slip quickly and quietly beneath the surface. Though this is not a formal question, we will attempt to fill in the blanks to
the best of our understanding.

Though there are many classes/types of drowning victims, I believe the American Red Cross’s “Lifeguarding Today” manual (Call Number: GV 838.72 L53 1995 in the Vera Bracken Library’s Circulating Collection) has the most suitable answer for this instance. Though this is an older text, it identifies two types of drowning victims, which are: (a) the active drowning victim, and (b) the passive drowning victim.

The active drowning victim is defined as: “A person exhibiting universal behavior that includes struggling at the surface for 20 to 60 seconds before submerging.” While the passive drowning victim is defined as: “A face-down unconscious victim, submerged or near the surface.”

So your fill in the blank might read as: ACTIVE drowning victims may struggle on the surface for a short period before submerging, while PASSIVE drowning victims can slip quickly and quietly beneath the surface.

As we previously mentioned, this answer is from an older text, so the terminology might have changed. Additionally, terminology might differ from lifesaving-system to lifesaving-system, or country-to-country. We suggest that you consult a newer text from your local library/recreation
centre, or contact a local swimming pool and consult with a lifeguard.

Thank you again for using the “Ask A Question” service. If you need more help, please use the service again or see the Information Desk in the Medicine Hat College Library (phone #: (403) 529-3867).