To assist a stressed buddy without putting yourself in danger, what must you ensure?

Ensuring that you can see, breathe, and maintain buoyancy is essential when assisting a stressed buddy while prioritizing your own safety. These three elements are critical for effective rescue and support.

Being able to see allows you to keep track of your buddy's position and movements, which is crucial in preventing further distress or a potential drowning situation. Breathe is vital because if you are not able to get air, you cannot assist others effectively; your own safety must come first to ensure that you do not become a victim as well. Maintaining buoyancy is another fundamental aspect that prevents you from sinking or losing control in the water, enabling you to provide assistance without compromising your own position.

While being properly equipped and ensuring your buddy is conscious are also important considerations, they do not encompass the immediate necessities for your personal safety during a rescue scenario. In stressful situations, you must first be in a position where you can safely operate before you address the needs of others.