Which condition may prolong a victim's ability to stay afloat?

The ability of a victim to stay afloat can be significantly affected by their mental state and physical condition. Panic and exhaustion can lead to increased fatigue and poor decision-making, which negatively impacts their ability to stay afloat. In contrast, when a victim is calm and composed, they are more likely to use their energy wisely and preserve their strength for staying afloat.

Panic can cause them to thrash about in the water, which burns energy quickly and may lead to sinking rather than staying afloat. Additionally, exhaustion can occur faster when a person is in a state of panic, further reducing the time they can remain above water.

Understanding this relationship between mental state and physical performance is crucial in a rescue situation, as recognizing signs of panic can facilitate support and intervention from rescuers. Therefore, the focus on panic and exhaustion aligns with the impact of mental and physical factors on a victim's ability to stay afloat.