What does if feel like when a person drowns?

I have heard that a drowning person is thrashing, fighting for air-they may even fight you not realizing you're trying to help them. My mom once helped a girl who was drowning, and she was very frantic, almost combative. Drowning people swallow water and find it hard to breathe, I 'd imagine it is very painful -----time wise, I believe it depends on the person