What Action do I take when I come upon a casualty in the water?

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Always consider your own personal safety

Never dive in without completing a risk assessment

In as much as you can you assess the following:

• The degree of urgency
  
  
• The numbers in danger
  
  
• The observer’s own abilities
  
  
• The condition of the subject(s)
  
  
• The aids or assistance available
  
  
• The weather and water conditions e.g. river current or rip currents
  
  
• The distance of the subject(s) from shore
  

VOICE!
Seek assistance – Shout for HELP

Instruct another to dial 999 or 112 and ask for Marine Rescue

Use your voice to calm the casualty and issue instructions and encouragement to assist them to a place of safety. There may be no rescue equipment available.

REACH
If this fails then use a coat, branch of a tree, brush handle or other available rescue aid to complete a reaching rescue.

THROW
When available always use Public Rescue Equipment e.g. ringbuoy, lifebelt or throw rope.

WADE
If the location allows conduct a wading rescue with care and only if you are a trained lifesaver.