Why Dead Bodies May Float While Living Bodies Can Sink

Many people believe that dead bodies always float while living people always sink, but the reality is more complex. Whether a body floats or sinks depends on factors such as body composition, lung air, water conditions, and changes that occur after death.1. Living People Can Float or Sink A living person’s ability to float depends on body fat, the amount of air in the lungs, movement, and the type of water.