Why is maintaining a safe distance from the victim important?

Maintaining a safe distance from the victim is crucial primarily to avoid putting the rescuer in immediate danger. In water rescue situations, the victim may be panicking or displaying erratic behavior, which can inadvertently put rescuers at risk. For example, if a victim is struggling in the water, they might inadvertently pull the rescuer under the water if they attempt to reach them too closely. By keeping a safe distance, rescuers can assess the situation and strategize a safe approach without jeopardizing their own safety.

While observing the victim's condition, preparing for rescue attempts, and allowing other rescuers to step in are important aspects of rescue operations, the priority must always be the safety of the rescuer. If the rescuer is compromised, the entire rescue operation becomes more complicated and dangerous. Hence, maintaining a safe distance allows rescuers to plan their actions effectively while minimizing risk.