What is the difference between distress and drowning?

The distinction between distress and drowning is primarily found in the physical and physiological state of the individual. When someone is drowning, they are unable to breathe because their mouth and nose are submerged, preventing any intake of air. This state is critical because it means that the person has lost the ability to lift their head above the water to breathe, leading to a life-threatening situation. In contrast, a distressed individual may still be above water or struggling, but does not yet reach the critical point of being submerged and unable to breathe. Therefore, the correct understanding of drowning relates directly to the inability to breathe due to being submerged, characterized by water covering the mouth and nose.