Which statement is an explicit practice concerning the shoreline during ice rescue operations?

• A. Maintaining a tagline attached to the shore at all times
• B. Using a second line gun onshore
• C. Anchoring with a boat on shore
• D. Wearing two life jackets on shore

Answer: (A)

The essential idea here is that a shoreline tagline provides a continuous, secure link between the shore team and the water operation. Keeping a tagline attached to the shore at all times ensures there is always something tangible the shore crew can grab, control, or tension—keeping the rescue line from drifting out of reach, helping to manage tension on the rope, and allowing a rapid pull-back or assist if conditions change. This setup gives immediate responsiveness and safety: if the victim or rescuer moves, the shore team can react quickly to maintain control, prevent entanglement, and maintain a clear path back to safety.

Other options don’t establish that required constant link to shore. A second line gun onshore isn’t a standard explicit practice for shoreline safety during ice rescue; the tool is used to deploy lines, but having a second gun on shore isn’t the defined procedure. Anchoring a boat on shore doesn’t provide the needed connection to the ice edge or the rescued person and can introduce additional hazards. Wearing two life jackets on shore isn’t a defined safety requirement and isn’t necessary for the explicit practice of maintaining a shore-connected line.