water rescue
· 3:00
Water Rescue: Reach, Throw, Row, but Don't Go
A three-minute instructional video from the US Army Corps of Engineers Nashville District demonstrating the international standard for safe bystander water rescue. The single most important rule for untrained rescuers: never enter the water yourself if there is any other option. Multiple drownings occur every year because well-meaning bystanders jumped in.
Transcript
Key teaching points:
1. REACH — extend a stick, oar, branch, or piece of clothing toward the victim while you brace yourself against a solid object on shore.
2. THROW — if reaching is not possible, throw anything that floats: a rope, a sealed jerrycan, a life ring, even a closed plastic bottle.
3. ROW — if a boat is available and you can use it safely, row out.
4. DON'T GO — entering the water is the last resort. A panicking drowning person will climb onto a rescuer and push them under.
5. Always call for help and keep eyes on the victim.