What is the key principle of the "reach, throw, go" rescue technique?

The "reach, throw, go" rescue technique emphasizes a prioritized approach to assist someone in distress while minimizing risks to both the rescuer and the person in need. The key principle of reaching for the person first involves extending a solid object, such as a pole, stick, or even a hand, to provide assistance without having to enter the water. This method helps stabilize the situation and maintain safety, as entering the water can introduce additional dangers such as exhaustion, potential drowning, or loss of control over the rescue attempt.

Reaching first is crucial because it allows the rescuer to gauge the situation and potentially provide immediate support and reassurance to the person in distress, without placing themselves at high risk. The other options do have their place in some rescue scenarios, but they do not represent the initial and safest approach as recommended by lifeguarding principles. For instance, throwing a flotation device is an important step, but it should come after an initial attempt to reach if it can be safely done.