Successful lifesaving in the water depends on the rescuer’s presence of mind, his knowledge of the methods which may have to be used, and his strength and skill in carrying out these methods. A drowning person is usually in an advanced state of panic. His one idea is to keep his head above water so that he can breathe. The whole technique of lifesaving is built around this fact. Nine times out of ten drowning person will try to grab some part of the rescuer’s body or clothing. The rescuer should try to reason with him as he approaches.
However, if the drowning man does grasp the body or clothing, the rescuer should risk taking the drowning man under with him. Under water, the panic-stricken man will usually let go, under no circumstances should a drowning man be struck. His system has already had sufficient shock to cause severe physical reaction and the added shock of a severe blow may cause heart failure.