Massachusetts Boating Certification Practice Test 2025 - Free Boating Certification Practice Questions and Study Guide

The recommended method for rescuing someone who has fallen into the water emphasizes safety and effectiveness, which is encapsulated in the phrase "reach, throw, row, go." This strategy prioritizes helping the person in distress while minimizing risk to the rescuer.

"Reach" means using a long object, such as a pole or a stick, to extend toward the person in the water, allowing them to grab on without putting yourself in danger. "Throw" involves tossing a life ring or rope to the individual to give them something to help them stay afloat. "Row" suggests utilizing a boat if available to reach the person safely from a distance. Lastly, "go" refers to swimming out only as a last resort when no other options are safe or applicable.

This method is crucial because jumping in or swimming directly to the person can lead to additional complications, such as the rescuer becoming panicked or fatigued, or even increasing the risk of capsizing a boat or bringing both individuals into danger. Therefore, this structured approach is designed to maximize safety and effectiveness in emergency rescue situations on the water.