When distance to the victim is within reach from shore, which technique is typically used first?

• A. Reach
• B. Throw
• C. Row
• D. Go

Answer: (A)

When the person is close enough to reach from shore, the first move is to extend your arm or use a reaching tool to contact and assist the victim while you stay on solid ground. This is the fastest and safest option because you can establish contact immediately without entering the water, reducing risk to you and increasing the chance of keeping hold of the victim.

If you can’t reach, you would throw a flotation device or a line so the victim can grab onto something buoyant and be guided to safety. If that still isn’t possible, you move closer by rowing a craft toward the victim to provide assistance from the bank or shore. Going into the water to swim to the person is the last resort, used only when other methods cannot reach the victim quickly enough.