Which statement best describes the criteria for a direct water entry rescue by a single lifeguard?

• A. Enter water first before calling for help.
• B. Always enter water regardless of conditions.
• C. Enter the water only when reaching or throwing fails and it is safe to do so.
• D. Do not enter water under any circumstances.

Answer: (C)

Direct water entry by a single lifeguard is a last-resort move chosen only after safer options have been tried or ruled out and only when it’s safe to do so. The key idea is to attempt reaching or throwing a rescue aid to the person first; enter the water only if those methods fail or aren’t possible, and only if conditions and the lifeguard’s ability to swim to and retrieve the person won’t put anyone at greater risk. This emphasis on prioritizing safer alternatives and assessing safety before entering keeps the rescue effective while protecting the lifeguard.

So, entering the water before attempting reach or throw or entering regardless of conditions would unnecessarily increase risk or ignore safety, and never entering at all would leave a person in danger when a safe entry is feasible.