Demonstrate reaching rescues

When someone is struggling in the water, every second counts, but rushing into the water without thinking puts both you and the victim in extreme danger. Water rescues follow a strict order of priority: Reach, Throw, Row, Go (with support).

This requirement focuses on Reaching and Throwing rescues — the safest methods because you remain securely on dry land or a dock.

Reaching Rescues (First Choice)

Many water emergencies occur within arm’s reach or a few yards of a dock, pool edge, or shoreline.

Reaching with Your Arm or Leg

• Anchor your body: Never stand upright on a wet edge. Lie flat on your stomach (prone position) to lower your center of gravity and spread your weight.
• Grip a secure anchor: Hold onto a dock cleat, ladder, tree root, or have a buddy hold your legs or belt firmly.
• Extend your reach: Reach out with one arm (or extend a leg into the water for the victim to grasp).
• Pull smoothly: Once the victim grabs hold, pull them gently to the edge or toward shallow water where they can stand.

Reaching with an Object

If the person is just beyond arm’s length, use an object to extend your reach without getting closer to the edge:

• Rigid extensions: Reaching pole, shepherd’s crook, branch, canoe paddle, boat oar, or deck chair.
• Flexible extensions: Towel, shirt, jacket, belt, or strap (twist or soak the fabric slightly to give it weight).
• Technique: Maintain your low, anchored stance. Push or sweep the object directly toward the victim’s hands. Shout clear, encouraging instructions: “Grab the paddle! I’ve got you!” Once they have a solid grip, pull them slowly to safety.

Throwing Rescues (Second Choice)

When a swimmer is too far from shore to reach with a pole or paddle (typically 10 to 40 feet out), throw a floating object or a rescue line.

Throwing Lines (Throw Bag or Ring Buoy)

• Anchor the line: Place the loose end of the rope (the “bitter end”) under your front foot or hold it firmly in your non-throwing hand. Never wrap the rope around your hand, wrist, or body.
• Aim just beyond the victim: Aim your throw across the victim’s shoulder or slightly beyond them. If you aim directly at their head, a heavy buoy or bag could injure them; if it falls just past them, the line will lay across their chest or arms where they can easily grab it.
• Haul in hand-over-hand: Drop to one knee or sit back into a braced stance to resist the pulling force. Haul the rope in with smooth, hand-over-hand motions until the swimmer reaches the shore or dock.
• If you miss: Rapidly coil the line loosely and re-throw immediately.

Throwing Buoyant Objects Without Lines

If no rescue rope or ring buoy is available, throw any buoyant item that will help the person keep their head above water until further help arrives:

• Life jacket (PFD) or boat cushion
• Foam kickboard or air mattress
• Sealed empty cooler or empty plastic water jugs
• Inflatable or closed-cell foam sleeping pad