drownproofing

[ droun-proo-fing ]

noun

1. a survival technique, for swimmers or nonswimmers, in which the body is allowed to float vertically in the water, with the head submerged, the lungs filled with air, and the arms and legs relaxed, the head being raised to breathe every ten seconds or so.

Word History and Origins

Origin of drownproofing¹

1965–70; drown + -proof + -ing ¹, modeled on waterproofing, etc.

Example Sentences

Although we have no "drownproofing" course, we do have an annual climb out of the Grand Canyon and hold an unofficial record of one hour and 35 minutes for the climb.

From Time Magazine Archive