Think before you act !
Before you jump in and go for the casualty,
assess the situation, the condition of the casualty and your own safety.
Only enter the water if you have no alternative and can do so safely.
The most important concern is always your safety.
Some types of rescue are safer than others.
If the first is unsuccessful (or impossible), try the next one on this list:
- Shout
- Signal
- Reach
- Throw
- Wade
- Row
- Swim with an aid
- Swim without an aid
Be careful where you jump into.
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There is a set of order in which to rescue multiple casualties (rescue those at the top of the list first):
- Concious non swimmer
- Concious weak swimmer
- Concious injured swimmer
- Unconcious swimmer
The reason for this is that an unconcious swimmer may have been in the water for some time already, and you may not be able to help them.
For water rescues the rule of thumb is to treat those making the least noise first, and the unconcious last.
Mobilise the mobile.
Types of Casualties
Concious Non Swimmers
are simply unable to swim and is often positioned vertically in the water.
Some can be in a panic and thrash around.
They can be quite dangerous to the rescuer as they may grab hold of anyone who comes too close.
Concious Weak Swimmers
are either exhausted, unskilled, or unable to swim in clothes after falling in.
They are usually in a forward pointing position, like breast stroke, but at a steeper 45° angle.
Concious Injured Swimmers
usually hold on to the injured body part.
Be careful when you pick them up so you don't injure them even further.
Unconscious Casualties
are floating motionless and face down in the water.
They need more care than others. Hence you get any other casualty out of the water first.
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