What is drowning 5e?

Drowning in 5e refers to the process of suffocating while submerged in water, usually through the inhalation of water into the lungs. According to the official rules, if a character spends a number of rounds underwater equal to their Constitution score (minimum of 1 round), they immediately drop to 0 hit points and start making death saving throws. This can be avoided by holding one's breath or using gills or other means to breathe underwater. Additionally, spells like water breathing can also prevent drowning. Other factors, such as cold temperatures, murky water, or rough waves, may also increase the difficulty of avoiding drowning. DMs may use their discretion to determine the specifics of drowning in their game.