ABSTRACT
Prior to assessment of a recovered body, it must žrst be located. e position of a body within a vast and deep waterway is dependent on not only topography, but also a number of other factors. In freshwater, once the body has landed on the bottom, it will not move,
even in a current, until re©oat begins. With the passage of time and during the early stages of re©oat, the body will travel along the bottom until it gains enough buoyancy to rise completely to the surface. is is due in large part to the gases formed within the body as a result of bacterial action within the body and will cause the body to resurface. e factors aecting re©oat are:
• Last meal: Meals high in carbohydrates and carbonated beverages produce gases very quickly.
