If no victim is spotted in static water, which is the first action to take?

The correct action to take when no victim is spotted in static water is to interview witnesses to determine the last known location of the victim, often referred to as the "Point Last Seen" (PLS). Gathering information from witnesses can provide crucial details about the circumstances surrounding the incident and help to narrow the search area. Witnesses may have seen where the victim last entered the water or might have observed their movements before the incident, which is vital information for effective search and rescue operations.

Prioritizing the collection of information through interviews allows rescuers to formulate a more targeted and efficient search plan, increasing the likelihood of finding the victim. Relying solely on physical measurements, like marking the depth of the water, may not yield immediate insights into the victim's whereabouts and can delay the search efforts. Similarly, sending divers into the water without sufficient information could pose unnecessary risks to the rescuers and may not be the most strategic approach. Searching the nearby shore area can be important but should be coordinated based on information obtained from witnesses to maximize the effectiveness of the efforts.