Which item is NOT a basic rule of water rescue?

• A. Keep eyes on the victim and communicate with them.
• B. If you must swim to the person, turn around so your back is to them.
• C. Wear a life jacket when possible while approaching the victim.
• D. Avoid entering the water if hazards are present.

Answer: (B)

In water rescue, the priority is your safety while maintaining contact and communication with the person in distress. Keeping your eyes on the victim lets you monitor their condition and respond quickly to changes, and talking to them helps keep them calm and cooperative. Wearing a life jacket or personal flotation device while approaching provides buoyancy and reduces fatigue, which is crucial when time is critical. Avoid entering the water if hazards are present to prevent creating new risks for yourself or others.

The option that suggests turning around so your back is to the victim is not aligned with these basic practices. Turning away from the person cuts off your line of sight and makes it harder to assess distress signals, track their movements, or respond to changes in their condition, increasing danger for both of you.