During a drowning investigation, what must be assessed during photography?

In a drowning investigation, assessing the water in the lungs of the victim is critical because it provides valuable information regarding the circumstances of the drowning. The presence of water in the lungs indicates that the individual inhaled water before death, which supports the conclusion of drowning as the cause of death. This examination can also provide insights into the timing and nature of the incident, such as whether the victim was conscious when they entered the water.

While the other elements also play a role in understanding the overall situation of the drowning, they do not give direct evidence of the act of drowning itself. For instance, the victim's clothing condition can suggest environmental factors but does not necessarily indicate how the drowning occurred. Signs of struggle can hint at a potential altercation or encounter prior to drowning but are not conclusive evidence of drowning circumstances. Witness positions are important for establishing the scene and gathering testimonies, but they do not provide direct physical evidence related to the drowning incident. Thus, assessing the water in the lungs gives a more definitive insight into the nature of the drowning and is a crucial factor in the investigation.