Drowning unable to help themselves is an urban myth. While you are still conscious, you can definitely do whatever it takes.
Do you have a source?
Counter:
https://www.army.mil/article/109852/drowning_doesnt_look_lik...
Article under that link does not say anything about whether people can help themselves or not. It just says most don't scream, because it is hard with throat full of water.
Quotes from the article:
> Drowning people cannot wave for help.
> drowning people cannot voluntarily control their arm movements.
> Unless rescued by a trained lifeguard, these drowning people can only struggle on the surface of the water for 20 to 60 seconds before submersion occurs
The only hope for this person is if they are saved by someone else who has the power, knowledge, and skill to do so.
So, the question is, are you drowning, or are you in some other situation? History is very clear that the more power people get, the more they abuse it. If we could improve things on our own power, would it not be the opposite? This tendency to abuse of power and authority looks just like the drowning person. Their own efforts doom those who are around them. The 20th century is full of examples of people achieving absolute power and then killing millions with that power.
If you come to understand that you are that drowning person, then the Bible is a great comfort, as it shows that there is salvation, not on your own works, which will never be good enough, but because there is a Lifeguard who can save.