What is the ideal position for a rescuer to swim with a victim?

The ideal position for a rescuer to swim with a victim is to face away from the victim while positioning themselves on the downstream side. This positioning is crucial for several reasons.

Firstly, by being downstream, the rescuer is in a safer position to maneuver in the water, allowing them to control the victim and maintain visibility of the downstream flow, which could carry both the rescuer and the victim. It reduces the chances of being caught in the current and allows the rescuer to make adjustments to their own position as necessary to maintain safety.

Additionally, facing away from the victim allows the rescuer to maintain focus on the surrounding environment, which is especially important in turbulent waters where hazards may be present. This positioning also helps in ensuring that the rescuer can keep the victim calm and support them effectively without interference from the victim's movements.

Overall, this method maximizes safety for both the rescuer and the victim, making it the preferred approach during a water rescue scenario.