As a lifeguard we were taught about the danger of saving an adult male, especially one bigger than you. Always swim around and approach the victim from the rear. If they get you in a death grip then go straight down. They will let go to get back to the surface.
“ As a lifeguard we were taught about the danger of saving an adult male…”
I had the same or very similar training. The joke was to take a 4 foot long piece of 2x4 out with you, club the victim to calm him or her down, and then effect the rescue.
L