I am an experienced, heavy duty swimmer, red cross certified (back in the day) lifesaving, lifeguard on lake Michigan 2 seasons. Not bragging but saved 10-12 people in those days. They are exhausting experiences. No way in hell would I go in the water with a police rig on. You have to pretty much get down to your skivvies to have a chance. There are other options such as throwing flotation devices, long poles etc. As far as stopping others, that probably saved their lives. Lifesaving in water requires many “tricks” and skills which need to be learned and not ad libbed.
And the victim is in panic and constantly trying to stand on top of the Rescuers head so the Rescuers have to save 2 people at the same time.
I don’t think most people understand the panic that sets in on a drowning swimmer and what they will do to somebody trying to rescue them.
I can think of several stories where folks died trying to save somebody else.
Thank you.
I lifeguarded as well. Basically they strongly preferred you not to get close to the other person if they were freaking out, and to basically let them pass out, and then get them and swim them back holding/cupping their chin above water. I remember the drills with the other lifeguards performing varying types of distressed people in the water.