Drowning

Drowning is considered an especial cause of death in Hearthlands.

Wildlife or another player has to go through hoops or even outright barriers to inflict permanent character through direct combat.

Drowning is handled way more leniently than in Legacy, where dropping to 0% Stamina in Deep Water resulted in instant death - even all the gear and items held were irrecoverable.

Even still, currently (in World 16.1) getting Knocked Out in Deep Water is basically a guaranteed death sentence. A character who is "swimming" can't perform any kind of "Fast Travel" -action. Breaking an unclaimed watercraft is also not a crime at all, even if it's the only thing keeping unconscious Hearthling(s) alive.

Wearing a Silver for the Ferryman does provide a rare "get-out-of-jail-for-free-card" albeit it comes with the "counter-play" of the attacker simply KO/looting off the ring before the effect triggers. (Potential counter-counter-play: intentionally drain your stamina beforehand, drown yourself, get teleported to your HF. Note that if the ring is able to track the "last spot you entered into water from" you get teleported there instead!)