Follow the steps below when approaching a victim.
- Plan your approach.
- Continue scanning to monitor their location and condition.
- Consider if there will be any language or cultural sensitivities when communicating with the victim.
- Reassure them as soon as possible and at a safe distance—introduce yourself, ask questions, remind them to breathe normally.
- Position available rescue equipment between you and the victim and/or take a defensive position (see Defensive position).
- Continue to assess and control the risks.
Follow the steps below if you see a victim go underwater.
- Note the approximate location, with reference points if possible, and consider the effect of rips and currents
- Signal for assistance.
- Perform a surface dive:
- head-first surface dive when the victim can be seen under the water
- feet-first surface dive when in unfamiliar murky water.
- Give the ‘submerged victim missing’ signal if you cannot find a submerged victim.
Follow the steps below when you reach a submerged victim.
- Grasp the victim under the armpits from behind.
- Bring the victim to the surface. Push off the bottom if possible.
- Signal ‘assistance required’.
Note: Remove any diving weights if the victim is a diver.
