FIRST CLASS SCOUT

9c. With a helper and a practice victim, show a line rescue both as tender and as rescuer. The practice victim should be - approximately 30 feet from shore in deep water.)

The fourth point of Safe Swim Defense requires lifeguards on duty, and as a First Class Scout you will be prepared to serve in this role using the procedure specified in the full statement of the Safe Swim Defense standards. This procedure requires two strong swimmers, one as a line tender and the other as a rescuer. It is a reaching rescue method; the line is taken out to the victim instead of being thrown. The risks are minimal even if the rescuer and victim become entangled, because the line tender will simply pull both in rapidly to safety.

Be sure you prepare your line before you go on duty. Tie a bowline to make a large loop in the end of a 100-foot length of quarter-inch line. Place the loop over the shoulder and under the opposite arm of the rescuer. Tie a small loop on the other end and make a slip noose to secure to the line tender's wrist. The line tender and rescuer guard the swim by standing together watching the activity, ready to respond if any assistance is needed.