What should you say if someone is underwater and non-specialized rescue is not available?

• A. Do not go in the water unless it’s safe to do so
• B. Jump in to save them immediately
• C. Call for help and wait
• D. Ignore the incident

Answer: (A)

The key idea is safety first: you should not put yourself at risk by entering the water unless you are trained and the conditions are safe. In a drowning situation where non-specialized rescue isn’t available, the best response is to stay out of the water and guide the caller to use safer methods from shore (such as throwing flotation or using a reaching tool) while you immediately call for professional rescuers and keep bystanders clear. Entering the water without training could create a second victim, making the situation worse for everyone.

Jumping in immediately is dangerous because it can lead to another person needing rescue, not just the one in trouble. Ignoring the incident is unacceptable and could result in harm or death. Simply calling for help and waiting is appropriate in part, but it does not address the critical safety rule of not entering the water yourself unless you are trained and it’s safe to do so.