What is the recommended technique for approaching a victim in rough or moving water?

• A. Reach or throw first; if safe and trained, enter water with precautions; prioritize keeping yourself out of danger
• B. Enter water first
• C. Do nothing
• D. Yell for help and wait

Answer: (A)

The key idea is to act from a position of safety first and use distance or tools to reach the person before entering moving water. In rough or moving water, your priority is to keep yourself out of danger while still trying to help the victim. Reach with a long object or throw a flotation device or rope from shore or from a safe stance. This gives the victim support and a chance to grab on without you being swept in. If you are trained, equipped, and the situation truly allows it, you may enter the water, but only with proper precautions and safety gear, and with a plan to protect yourself from the current. The emphasis is on preserving your own safety so you can continue to assist and summon additional help.

Choosing to enter the water without training or equipment greatly raises the risk to both you and the victim. Doing nothing isn’t a rescue, and simply yelling for help without any actionable step won’t move the person to safety.