Part of our Boy Scout life saving
training was how to handle a swimmer in
distress. This was at summer camp where some of us had lifeguard duty. We had to demonstrate proficiency in this maneuver.
1. If on a pier or
boat, you jump in the
water in a manner to keep your
head above the surface and your eye on the swimmer.That is arms and legs spread.
2. If you are approaching their front side, at approximately five feet from the victim do a surface dive and go deep enough to grab their legs below the knees.
3. After you grab the legs, rotate them 180 degrees so that when you surface they are facing away from you.
4. Put your arm around them in the
rescue hold across the chest and tow them to
safety.