MAKING THE RESCUE WITH THE RESCUEBOARD

If the victim is conscious, assist them in getting onto the board, and have them lay prone in front of you. Instruct them to hold on tightly as you return to shore. If the victim is unconscious, you will probably need to dismount. Position the board between yourself and the victim, and use the board as leverage to slide the victim onto the board. Keep the nose of the rescue board headed toward shore and in a position perpendicular (90 degrees) to the incoming waves. If the board is not kept at a 90-degree angle to the waves, it will capsize the lifeguard and the victim.

Paddle the victim directly to shore if conditions permit. Upon reaching shore, steady the board by placing your legs over the rails and holding onto the victim's legs. Get off the board while maintaining control of both the board and the victim. If the victim is unconscious or exhausted, kneel down and slide your hands under the victim's armpits. Roll the victim off the board quickly to avoid injury from the loose board. Stand up and support the victim against your chest and move to a suitable location for assessment.

If the conditions will make it difficult to return the victim to shore on the board, let the board loose, downwind or downcurrent, so it does not interfere with the rescue. Return your victim to shore as you would in completing a standard swimming rescue.