tread water

verb2

1. •
   To remain afloat in the water without use of any buoyancy aid, by using kicking motions and hand motions.

   • We gained the interior of the submarine cave without difficulty, and on emerging from the waves, supported ourselves for some time by treading water, while we held the two bundles above our heads. — 1857
2. •
   (figurative) To make no progress, expending effort just enough to maintain a stable position.

   • The popular view is that, although technology and GDP advance, morals and society are treading water or, depending on your choice of newspaper, sinking back into decadence and barbarism. — 2009