Rescue Swimming...
Refers to skills that enable an individual to attempt a rescue when a
swimmer is in difficulty. These include a combination of
communication skills, specific "rescue" swimming strokes, and release
and evade techniques for self-preservation should the rescue go wrong.
From the outset once a swimmer in difficulty is spotted, eye contact
must be maintained at all times.
Assess the situation: environment, available physical equipment,
others who can help, etc. Attempt to establish voice contact, which if
successful can often result in a "voice-rescue."
A rescuer should enter the water only as a last resort. Rescues should
be attempted in the following order: talk, throw, reach, wade, row,
swim, tow and carry. There are four main rescue strokes: the Front
crawl (Freestyle), Breaststroke, Inverted Breaststroke, and Sidestroke.