Elementary Forms of Swim Rescue

You don't have to be a lifeguard to save a person's life. When someone is struggling in the water, it is imperative that she gets get help quickly, otherwise the risk of drowning is great. Anyone who swims or spends time on boats or the beach should become familiar with some of the most basic lifesaving techniques so he can help someone in danger in the water.

  1. Reach Rescue

    • A reach rescue ensures the safety of the person who provides the rescue. It is important to remember that rescuing a person in the water is also dangerous to the person who tries to provide the rescue. In a reach rescue, the rescuer lies on his belly and extends an aid to the person in the water. A rescue pole is commonly used for this on boats or in pools. The person in the water grabs onto the aid and is pulled to safety.

    Throwing

    • The next way to rescue someone who is struggling while swimming is to throw the person an aid. The person grabs on to the aid, which keeps her afloat as she regains energy or swims to shore. Buoys, floatation devices, ropes and other objects can be thrown. Ropes and rings with ropes are the best choice because rescuers have something to hold on to with which to pull the victim in. Aim in front of the person with your throw, because you don't want to accidentally hit her in the head with something hard like a ring buoy.

    Row

    • If a person is in distress in the ocean or in a lake and you cannot reach him from shore, you need to get to him to offer help. Find a boat and go out to help. Be careful not to hit the person and then carefully assist hm with a reach or throw. Be very careful when helping someone from a low or small boat. Trying to pull someone into a small craft jeopardizes the stability of the boat.

    Swimming

    • If you have no other viable options to rescue a struggling person in the water, you may choose to swim out to try to pull her in. Attempt this only if you are a strong swimmer, or you'll endanger yourself and the victim. Approach the victim carefully and if she is struggling or flailing be sure that it is safe to grab her. A panicked drowning person can easily pull a would-be rescuer under the water. If you can safely approach, grab the person from behind and carefully pull her to shore. Take care to keep her head above water and her neck as straight as possible in case a head or neck injury occurred.