C. J. Parker (Pamela Anderson): I can’t imagine doing anything else. My mom said I was born with a red rescue can in my hands.
-Baywatch
The most important beach skill is not choosing the right swimsuit or applying sunscreen evenly. Though these skills can certainly come in handy, the sun-loving heroine’s most important talent is her knowledge of the ocean rescue. But the most effective lifeguards don’t run across the beach in skimpy suits for nothing. Use the run to call attention to your save-grab two wide-eyed gawkers and put them to use. And follow these instructions from lifeguard trainer Linda Delzeit-McIntyre.
BEFORE YOU MAKE THE SAVE
Making an ocean save in particularly harrowing conditions-high winds, storms, or heavy swells or currents-could be more dangerous than heroic. Proceed with the following steps only after you’ve determined that:
- Emergency teams are too far off to save the victim.
- You are strong and skilled enough to swim the distance to the victim and drag him back to safety.
Step 1: Spot the victim in the ocean.
The up and down swell of the ocean may cause him to temporarily disappear from sight. Keep your eyes on a fixed line between yourself and the struggling swimmer. This will be your target line.
Step 2: Designate another person to call paramedics, then notify emergency lifeguard teams in the area.
Lifeguards practice their rescue plans routinely, but they may not be readily available. While another person calls, you can focus on making the rescue.
Step 3: Secure back-up assistance from those around you.
Ask two of the nearest people who appear mature and responsible to assist you. Have one of them help you locate equipment (see step 4), while the other watches the victim and confirms the target line. The latter person will also keep a close eye on you if and when you and your other assistant enter the water.
Step 4: Locate and use common items found on the beach to assist you in making the save:
- Swim fins to help you reach the victim once you’re in the water and help you return to the beach faster.
- Surfboard or boogie board to aid in flotation.
- A section of rope or dog leash 4 to 6 feet in length, and one or two intact 1-gallon plastic bottles with tight lids. Use a double square knot to tie the empty bottle(s) to one end of the rope for the victim to use as a flotation device.
MAKING THE SAVE
Ideally, you will enter the water with another swimmer while your other assistant watches both of you, as well as the victim, from shore. As you swim to the victim, your backup swimmer should follow you out with a surfboard or larger flotation device.
Step 1: Remove your shoes, secure your equipment, and run across the beach on your target line.
Tuck any flotation devices under your arm. If you are using swim fins, do not put them on until you have reached the water. Bare feet are much more effective when running across sand.
Step 2: Run into the water on your target line and begin swimming.
When the water reaches waist level, dive in and begin swimming toward your target along the bottom of the ocean. Use dolphinstyle kicks and grab the sand to help propel you forward. If you cannot see the victim when you come up for air, have your assistant direct you to the victim’s last known location.
Step 3: Pace yourself to conserve energy.
Swim to the victim as quickly as you can while retaining at least 50 percent of your energy. You’ll need to have energy to swim back with the victim. If you feel that your breathing is labored or that your muscles are tiring, slow your pace.
Step 4: Once you are within your flotation device’s reach of the victim, toss it to him.
Secure one end of the rope or leash to your arm or waist using a slipknot that can easily be removed if the victim panics and attempts to pull you down, then throw the flotation device to the victim.
Step 5: Calm the victim before proceeding back to shore.
Be sure that the victim has a firm hold on the flotation device. Speak in clear and simple language to calm and direct the victim.
Step 6: Swim the victim to safety.
Use a sidestroke to swim to safety. Look back at the victim frequently to make sure he is still secured to the flotation device. If a boat is nearby, swim the victim toward it; otherwise, swim to shore.
Step 7: Provide first aid if necessary.
Wrap the victim in a towel or blanket to keep him warm and treat shock. Stretch his legs and arms to treat cramped muscles. Get the victim breathing in through the nose and out through the mouth to treat his anxiety. Turn the victim on his side if he vomits- this will clear any ingested water and open his airway.
Step 8: Warm yourself after the victim is secure.
Wrap yourself in a blanket or towel to prevent shock or hypothermia.
