What can indicate that a diver is experiencing distress?

A diver experiencing distress often exhibits specific physical behaviors that signal their struggle. One of the most telling signs is thrashing or waving hands overhead, which typically indicates that the diver is attempting to get attention and signal for help. This frantic movement is a clear indication that the diver is in a situation that they cannot handle, whether it be due to panic, disorientation, or something else.

Calm swimming would generally suggest that a diver is managing their situation well and is not in distress. Excessive movement can sometimes mean that a diver is trying to swim against a current or maneuver around obstacles; while this could suggest a problem, it doesn't definitively indicate distress. Finally, a suspended position might imply that a diver is neutrally buoyant and stable, which is usually a sign of control rather than distress. Thus, the conspicuous thrashing of arms and hands serves as a clear and urgent signal that a diver requires immediate assistance.