[parfe]

First, the primary job for any rescuer is to not become another victim.

Be prepared for a violent altercation with the victim. The person is dying and not thinking normally. Don't be afraid to hurt the person to protect yourself.

If the situation is too much, back off and wait for the victim to lose consciousness. Pulling a drowning person from the water takes more than just strong swimming.

And again, I was only the dummy for real life guards so I basically got to act the worst possible situation. I'm sure some rescues look just like Baywatch portrays.

[ars]

Is it a good idea to approach from behind and force the parson to lay back on you? (A headlock basically.) This gets their mouth out of the water so they can breath.

Once they breath for a bit they'll calm down and can help in their rescue.

[hluska]

Thanks very much for taking the time to answer this - I feel better knowing more!!