On a swimming rescue mission

Hot summers push us towards the beach, river or some other aquatic environment, but regardless of how proficient a swimmer we are, the first thing we should consider is our safety. Thus we should make the effort to improve our water-safety skills. Aquatic environments present different challenges. In some of these environments, one may have to swim to get to someone in distress, especially if rescue equipment are not available and a swimming rescue is the best or only option available.

Here are a few ways to initiate a swimming rescue:

Stride jump

If the water is over seven feet deep, use the stride jump to enter the water quickly while you maintain eye contact with the victim. Lean forward and step out, stretching one leg in front, with your arms out above your shoulders. As you enter the water, bring your legs together, and bring your arms down as they go under the water to slow down the jump and keep your head above the water.

Compact jump

To enter the water from a height of five feet or more, use the compact jump for safety. As you jump in the water, place one hand over your mouth and chin while holding your nose. Cross your other arm across your chest over the first and keep your body straight to avoid back, head or chest injury. As you contact the water, bend your knees slightly to absorb the shock, then push off and swim for the individual.

Shallow dive

When time and speed are crucial, a shallow dive might be the most appropriate entry. Check the depth and the condition of the water before you dive. Execute the shallow dive as you would start a freestyle race. As you enter the water, steer up with your arms and head and swim towards the victim.

Surf entry

This is used at a sloping shoreline by running into the water using high stepping strides to get through the breaking waves and swim towards the victim.

Approach front crawl

The distance you will swim to get to the individual will help determine which stroke you use. However, you should get to the victim with enough energy to make the rescue and tow the victim to safety. Thus an adaptation of the front-crawl stroke is recommended as it will allow you to keep your head above the water and your eyes on the individual, and you will move through the water quickly.

Approach breaststroke

This adaptation of the breaststroke keeps your head above the water throughout the shortened strokes and your eyes focused on the individual. If you are approaching a conscious individual, execute a quick reverse in your direction. Lean backwards and turn 90° by bringing your legs to your chest and extending them between you and the individual when you are just out of his or her arm range, and emphasise that you are there to help.

Dr Kenneth Gardner is an exercise physiologist at Holiday Hills Research Center. Email yourhealth@gleanerjm.com.