How should a rescuer approach a victim in moving water?

Approaching a victim in moving water from an upstream position is the safest and most effective strategy for a rescuer. This method allows the rescuer to be in a position where they have better control of their own stability and can minimize the impact of the water's current on both themselves and the victim.

By approaching from upstream, the rescuer can also keep the victim in sight and maintain a direct line to them, which can help in engaging with the victim and providing verbal support. Additionally, it allows the rescuer to reach out and secure the victim without the risk of being pushed downstream by the current. This positioning reduces the likelihood of being swept away and helps ensure that both the rescuer and the victim can be brought to safety more effectively.

Other approaches, such as from downstream or directly from the side, can expose the rescuer to stronger currents, make it more difficult to maintain control, and increase the risk of the situation becoming more precarious. Wading in parallel, while it may seem safer, could impede the rescuer’s ability to react quickly and effectively if the situation changes. Thus, the upstream approach is the preferred method in these scenarios.