Use this tow with cooperative or unconscious casualties.
It is the easiest tow if you relax the towing arm.
Your casualty should be towed behind you, not beside you which would be too much effort.
Always keep the casualty's face out of the water.
Hold on to the chin, not the throat.
Use side stroke or lifesaver's backstroke and don't kick the casualty.
Chin Tow
This is a tow for an weak or fearful casualty.
It feels reassuring to the casualty because you're very close; they don't drift in open water.
You have your legs and one arm to push forward with.
Cross Chest Tow
In rough water this tow keeps the casualty's face higher above the water.
Use side stroke so you can also use your free arm for swimming.
Reach over the casualty's shoulder and jam them in between your arm and side.
If the casualty wears jeans, you may grab hold of their belt or a belt loop.
Head Tow
This is another tow for a cooperative casualty.
Holding the head gives good control and feels reassuring to the casualty.
Only drawback is that you only have your legs to push forward with.
Accompanied Rescue
In shallow water you may wade to the casualty, give them a buoyant aid and accompany them back to shore.
Avoid direct contact with a casualty until you've reached the edge unless they have difficulty to move.
Use a Float
A buoyant aid or float always comes in handy.
A truck tire tube can be big enough to sit on and is easier to tow or paddle than just the casualty.
Above all have a lot of fun with your training.
Keep it realistic and safe.
