Which statement is true about approaching an ice rescue victim?

• A. From the side and rear
• B. From the front
• C. From the water's edge
• D. From overhead

Answer: (A)

When you’re working to reach an ice rescue victim, the safest and most controllable approach is to come in from the side and rear. This stance keeps you on solid, stable ice and gives you a stable, low position that’s easier to balance as you close in. From this angle you can quickly deploy a throw line or set up a contact rescue without directly facing the victim’s thrashing, which reduces the chance of being grabbed or pulled toward the opening. It also allows you to reach the victim more effectively with equipment and to position yourself for a safe transfer or extraction.

Approaching from the front increases the risk that the victim will reach or grab you, which can pull you toward the hole or cause you to lose balance. Getting in from the water’s edge places you closer to thin, unstable ice and the opening, heightening the danger of breaking through. Approaching from overhead can shift weight onto unstable ice above the victim and compromise footing, making the rescue more dangerous.

So, side and rear approach preserves your balance, keeps you out of the immediate splash zone, and optimizes your ability to reach and secure the victim quickly and safely.