Signs of drowning

Apparently the signs of drowning are unlike what we saw on Baywatch (not that we ever watched Baywatch - but that's neither here nor there). There are no cries for help. There isn't a massive struggle with hands waving in the air.

Here's why.

They can't. Most drowning people are unable to speak because the natural response in a drowning situation is to breathe - not to talk. Breathing must be taken care of before before speech can occur. Kind of important that breathing...

Turns out they're also unable to wave for help. A drowning person is essentially programmed by nature to extend their arms and press down on the surface of the water to try and keep themselves from being submersed - not to wave them wildly above their heads. (info sourced from Lifehacker.com)

And so since the drowning victim doesn't display the expected "signs" of drowning we don't even pay attention.

It's so easy to go unnoticed. 

It's so easy to blend in.

It's so easy to make it look like nothing is wrong - even though we might be frantically sinking.

In other words, it's pretty easy to drown.

Luckily lifeguards are trained in this sort of thing and they can quickly identify the nuances of behavior that alert them to avert such crises. So if you begin drowning at the beach or in a pool, there's probably a fairly good chance you'll be rescued.

Life and business is another story. There's no one perched on a tall chair slathered with sunblock watching you intently for signs of trouble. You're on your own. You succeed, bravo! You fail, so sorry, we didn't even really notice you sinking.

Scary. Unless you have a plan that is. So here's the metaphorical plan I recommend: Wear a lifejacket and go into the water with friends that you can trust to watch out for you.

Be knowledgeable, seek and gain wisdom, don't be afraid to ask for help, recognize what you're good at and outsource what you're not. And above all, don't drown.