Distressed swimmer

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Distressed swimmer or drowning non-swimmer (DNS) is a term used by the Life Saving Society of Canada to describe a particular victim type.

Lifesaving Society Definition

Distressed swimmers can be novice swimmers with limited swimming ability, tired or weak swimmers, and people who are ill or injured. This group also includes swimmers who become disoriented after playing in or falling into the water. Unless they are rescued, distressed swimmers can become drowning victims. [1]

Usage

The acronym "DNS" is a commonly used term within the Canadian Lifesaving Society to expedite the process of describing a victim. This is particularly useful in emergency situations where time is of the essence, and where the phrase "drowning non-swimmer" would be difficult to say. [2]

Notes and references

  1. Unknown: "Canadian Lifesaving Manual", section 4-3. Lifesaving Society, 2004
  2. Example of the use of the term "DNS".