But what's actually going on during that process? Well, firstly, drowning isn't like how you see it in the movies there's not a lot of thrashing around or yells for help. Typically, it's a silent act, where the person's mouth sinks below the surface of the water and then reappears as they try to breathe. See, once they can no longer hold their initial breath and start to hyperventilate they might aspirate water, triggering something called a laryngospasm. This is where the person's vocal cords spasm, blocking their airways and protecting their lungs. However, it also inconveniently makes yelling for help significantly harder to do. Since the person can't take in any fresh air, their oxygen supply starts to fall, potentially leading to a condition called hypoxia, this is where there's not enough oxygen reaching the body's tissues. And eventually, as the person becomes unconscious, there's a relaxation of their airway, allowing their lungs to fill with water. Depending on how long the person has gone without air, varying levels of damage can occur. For example, a 2013 study found that the likelihood of surviving with little to no brain damage was very low after being submerged for 10 minutes or more. The lack of oxygen can also lead to cardiac arrest. So, basically what I'm saying is that drowning is absolutely terrifying. So please wear your life jackets, kids. They're cool and will keep you safe.