When using a boat for ice rescue, rescuers should ensure that

• A. There is a tagline attached to the shore at all times
• B. The boat should be painted bright orange
• C. A second boat should be on standby
• D. The victim should wear a life jacket

Answer: (A)

In ice rescue with a boat, keeping the craft under control and within reach is the top priority. Attaching a tagline to shore provides a constant lifeline that the operator can use to steer, secure, and retrieve the boat as ice or wind shifts. This shore-connected line helps prevent the boat from drifting away, makes it easier to bring the victim to shore, and reduces the risk of losing the boat in dangerous conditions.

Other options are helpful or beneficial in certain scenarios, but they don’t address the core safety need as directly. A second boat on standby adds capability, and a life jacket on the victim is crucial for personal safety, but the tethered line to shore is the key mechanism that keeps the boat controllable and retrievable during the operation.