What should be considered when deciding to enter the water for a rescue?

When deciding to enter the water for a rescue, the safety of the rescuer and environmental conditions is paramount. It is essential to assess factors such as water current strength, temperature, visibility, potential hazards (like debris or rocks), weather conditions, and the overall environment. This ensures that the rescuer not only has the best chance of successfully completing the rescue but also minimizes the risks to their own safety.

If the environmental conditions are unsafe or the rescuer's safety cannot be assured, entering the water could lead to additional casualties rather than a successful rescue. This decision-making process is critical in swiftwater rescue situations, where adverse conditions can quickly turn dangerous. Factors like the clarity of the water or surrounding noise levels, while they may have relevance in specific circumstances, do not carry the same weight when evaluating the immediate safety of the rescuer and the viability of the rescue operation.