That and knowing what to do with the ring. It seems simple but knowing instinctually to pull the person face up through it probably isn't what the average person would think to do. Probably was a life guard at some point in life.
Not an uncommon thing. In my lifeguard training they taught that if they latch onto you and you can't escape to plant your feet on their stomach/chest and kick off like you are racing or diving. It was obviously a only do this if its serious thing but you can't save someone if youre dead.
Back in the middle ages when I took my life guard diploma, we were not only told but also taught (because it's actually quite hard to swing your fist, with any kind of force, while your in the water) how to deck people in the head, simply because it can be the difference between life and death. As you said, people in a panic will try to climb you, resulting in both of you drowning.
I was taught in lifeguard training, A more effective way to get away from a panicked drowning person who grab ahold of you is to grab a deep breath and start to swim downward, the drowning person will naturally try to keep head above water and release. This avoids needing to knock someone out. Also learn a cross chest hold and carry to keep a person from using their arms to climb you. If need be you roll with victim. Here, he maintains control from behind correctly. His time in freezing water reduces effectiveness . Hypothermia could be an issue. Smart of him to reduce clothing for afterward. Plus wet clothing reduces effectiveness of swimming. This man had prior training or great common sense. Hardest part would be giving CPR in water if necessary? Final rescue is not shown but more dangerous than dramatic swim out. Getting to shore and warming up.
Basically the key is you don't give it to the person in trouble. They are likely in panic mode and will very likely make the situation worse by flailing around.
Also it is important to specifically have them in the middle of it rather than being on top of it like an inner tube, because it could easily flip in that situation, or just having them hold on to it (which would probably be their first instinct if handed it) because if their arms give out or they pass out then it's useless, plus that style doesn't force their head above the surface which is the entire point. Having them lean back once in the middle of the tube is also important because again if they pass out (or already have) it keeps the face up and out of the water.
(Edit: as a side note all of this is why most life guards now use the big noodle looking things rather than rings. They are simpler and work much better for the person doing the rescue.)
Finally another huge thing that is less obvious I that this guy did is to, as the rescuer, get behind the person in trouble. If you try to save them face to face it is very possible that in their panic they will grab you and not the float and potentially force you underwater and drowning you.
Very true. Lastly I would add that while it's very noble to want to save someone in a situation like this, know your limits and abilities. The last thing anyone needs is two victims. Unless you have a life jacket yourself or are a strong swimmer, do not attempt it. The floatation is meant for the person in trouble while the rescuer will have to drag them on it to safety. If you can't save them you're only making it worse.
What? No, on the contrary, when I trained as a lifeguard, we were told to give them ONLY the flotation device. That's to protect us. They are panicking, that's true--but it causes them to try to use YOU to save themselves, and they can drown you.
You absolutely throw them the float.
A proper device has a line connected to haul the victim.
Well yes in a situation where there is a line attached (which you're right that there should be) and you can get it to them to grab onto then that is best case scenario. Ideally you don't need to get in the water even in that situation. I was more speaking to the situation in the video where there doesn't seem to be any line attached so you have to go to them. Without a line the chance of losing the float entirely it too high to give it to the person directly.
I'm speaking to the video as well: I would do close to exactly what the video depicts. I would keep a larger distance from the victim. They actually taught us to kick the victims underwater to maintain distance if they panicked in our direction.
Anyway, I would have gotten nearby, pushed the float to him, let him orient himself, and then get moving. In non-freezing still water, I'd let him calm down a minute before we moved. Sometimes you tow them in on top of you, if you don't have a line--so you need them calmed down and just hanging onto the float.
Anyway, you said in your other post that you should never give the victim the float. I would say you should nearly always give the victim the float. You can't lose it, that's a stupid idea. It's a float. It...floats.
I think we are misunderstanding somewhere. I also think he did a pretty perfect job in the video. What I was trying to say is that the rescuer should always be in control of the float. So in the video he does let them grab it but while he still has a hold of the far side, keeping a bit of distance as you said. Rather than just throwing it or letting him take it.
Idk, its been a while since I took lifeguard classes, but I think its totally fine to give them the float. Idk what you think is going to happen if they have it? It doesnt sink, theyre not gonna go swim away with it... you give it to them, they cling for dear life, then you drag them in.
Yeah I mean you can tell there isn't a lot of water experience in this video outside of the guy that jumps in. The fact they don't even have a leash on the rings says a lot. Even if one had made it to the guy, what then? He's still freezing and doesn't seem like a swimmer.
I definitely, as an inexperienced bad swimmer, thought to myself: why is he wasting time getting the floaties, he should swim to them and grab them before they drown!!
Well, now I know that is exactly the wrong thing to do.
Being able to swim is great, being able to swim AND knowing how to handle a person panic drowning is a superpower. This guy moved through the water like a damn hippo.
It’s actually the guy’s experience with freezing water that matters here.
A lot of people including good swimmers drown when they hit freezing waters and are not prepared for it. Their lungs automatically gasps and they breathe in water.
In case anyone is in this situation the order of rescue goes reach, throw, row, go. Even trained professionals sometimes drown trying to rescue people so go should be a last resort like this case.
I've had training, this guy did not, the way he swims, uses the lifebuoy, no this guy is 100% just hero figuring it out on the spot. Not sure why you think after jumping from a bridge if you don't hang around for a bit that means you're trained.
I’m not sure if he’s had lifeguard level training but it seems he’s had some water safety exposure — certainly more so than the average person. Could be for a myriad of reasons
A lot of people could save someone in decent temps. You just don’t how your body will react with super cold temps. Hats off to dude for being able to fight through that. Sometimes your body will just stop working in temps like that.
I’d jump in and save a stranger, but I’d need a rope tied to that ring. I wouldn’t trust my body’s ability to keep going. I’ve been trained as a lifeguard.
When I went to Iceland my partner and my bro and sis in law and I took a fjord cruise that stopped at a little village and I wanted to experience the water (young and in my prime!) but they convinced me not to jump in the canal coming off the river into the village since you got out by climbing an eight foot rope. As a concession I said fine I’ll wade into the river itself—gentle slope, low current, a natural “bay” actually making it more like a stagnant spinning pool—and I got in quickly and was able to swim like 20 meters before it was no longer a matter of pain or will power but it felt like a progressive physical locking up of my joints in my arms shoulders and legs. I walked out and I am happy I did it because it was a fucking experience but I would have died had it not been such a low grade bank
I skinny dipped on a gravel beach at Hammerfest Norway. They say the first step is the hardest, but I found it was the 3rd step when the water reached my balls.
AlI’ve swam regularly in a cold bay (48F degrees was my cutoff) in the past with just a cap and trunks, albeit via a club that has a sauna. After the usual first shock, you start swimming, always face in the water - normal freestyle. The first thing you notice is how it becomes really hard to breathe, which makes you panic. You bear through that and find a cadence. Soon after your shoulder, elbow, and wrist joint begin to stiffen, and your arms feel like heavy units, vs. articulated. More panic. Then slowly, as you warm up, as endorphins kick in, and the Mamalian Dive Reflex triggers more efficient oxygen utilization, everything settles in. There was a buoy there about 200 yard in, and that was my “calm” marker. I would pop up there and tread water, taking in the view for a second before completing the half-mile circle, feeling pretty normal, but cold and breathing at a high rate.
I don’t know what river that is but it looks like a big one in Asia. The average low of the Yangtze river is 50F degrees.
That sounds pretty pleasant actually! The water temp in Norway (just for anyone interested) was around 1C (34f). Honestly it was pretty dumb but I would love to try a reasonably cold swim around 50F. I know cold plunges are all the rage right now and I do like them. Being able to warm up the body while submerged in the cold now strikes me as possibly enjoyable from your account, haha.0
Peobably helped by adrenaline too. But if it were me, pumped with adrenaline, I will be able to swim for 5 seconds and then start to drown from the sheer cold. Dude is a monster.
I literally pumped a fist when he grabbed the dingy. That's good training right there.
You wouldn't believe how common secondary drownings are, where the frantic actions of the victim end up causing the rescuer to drown. Grabbing that dingy was a pro move
Armchair lifeguard here. He looked like he knew what he was doing. He put the life ring between him and the rescuee. Even when he directly put it over top of them he did it from behind and never directly touched the them. So they didn't have the opportunity to drag him down in a panic.
The issue is cold water. Didn’t see him cover nose. Cold water can make you forcibly inhale via shock. Plugging nose can help prevent. It really depends on water temp though… People have drowned by jumping into cold water and forcibly inhaling water due to the cold.
His jump was also solid by going feet first to be able to immediately bounce back up to the surface and minimize the time at the coldest water temps and maintain eyes on the other guy in the water.
I had the same thought until I saw how he moved in water. He's a very strong swimmer, my guess is he's had a lot of time in water and has life guard training.
Someone in my town tried doing this and he died. He was a good swimmer, the water was cold but not freezing. Nobody knows exactly what happened, but he ended up drowning in the lake. They called him a hero, and his attempt was heroic, but his kids are now growing up without a father.
I think a lot of people would be surprised how they would act. When you're in a situation where someone is in danger and you are confident in your ability to save them, it's not even a question. You just do it automatically. To the point of being potentially dangerous. Humans learned we are more powerful together so long ago it's etched into our DNA. Our default action and expectation is to look out for each other, imo.
Zero hesitation is critical in cold water. You’ve only got a few minutes before your arms and legs begin to shut down. It’s hard to do given the initial shock reflex, but it is key.
The human hypothermia response is to abandon the extremities. The arteries close up to prevent blood from circulating in cold tissues to keep the brain and heart warm. This is what was happening with the victim, and why he would have drown without rescue.
Being brave can sometimes lead to a second person drowning. You have to be brave and know what you’re doing/trained for it. If you can’t swim or don’t know how to swim in conditions like this now you have two emergencies instead of one.
A lot of people here are convinced this guy has extensive water rescue training but I actually think the opposite. As a lifeguard, this video made me very nervous the first time I saw it. The man clearly has some sort of swimming experience but I dont think he has water rescue training. He gets to the victim very quickly, although his form swimming with the buoy is definitely a little wonky. But once he gets to the victim you can tell he really doesnt know what to do. He tries to put the ring around the victims head (contrary to misconception that is not the intended use case for a ring) and it looks like he even hits the victim on the head with it at one point. Then he sort of waits for the victim to save himself with the ring.
The correct approach here (in my opinion) would be to approach from the front with a breast stroke and push the buoy under the water to get the victims arms on top of it, while keeping himself a safe distance away. When I had training in using atypical rescue devices I would have been declared a failed save and told to try again for getting so close to the victim.
Alternatively, with the rear approach he took there is a good opportunity for a cross chest carry but performing that with a ring buoy is not ideal.
The man did a fantastic job saving this guys life and he is a hero no doubt. But I dont think hes been trained to do this.
Edit: I just rewatched the video and I would like to add that the man does absolutely NOTHING to secure the victim to the device once he is on it. This is a huge safety concern as the victim could very easily slide back into the water and begin drowning again. The correct approach is to ensure their arms are wrapped backwards around the buoy so that the buoy is basically in their armpits, then you would hook one of your arms over their arm and the buoy, essentially securing them to the buoy so that even if they fell unconcious you would be able to hold them up. Then you use your free arm to tow them back to shore.
I’ve jumped in glacial lakewater before (probably closer to 35-40F, not freezing like here), and this is incredibly impressive.
When you hit the water, the shock instantly takes your breath away. After 30 seconds in the water it makes you practically start hyperventilating from the cold and your muscles slow down and become stiff. This guy is a beast, I have no idea how he made it to shore.
The rescuer has training and real life experience. 1) During his leap and fall he kept his eye on the subject. 2) he entered the water properly to have minimal disruption and maintained direction to float and subject 3) maintained sight of subject during swim 4) kept distance from the subject to prevent a double drowning 5) presented float to subject and allowed subject to recognize 6) at the point the subject is gaining recognition was able to position the float. 7) maintained safe distance to prevent secondary panic and double drowning.
To any reader, if you don't know have the real in water training to pull some one from the water you will only double crisis.
Here is a small reminder, if you are not in shape and do not have experience swimming in cold water, it is most likely best to not do that this amazing man did. More likely than not you will get shock, can start panicking, and/or have issues helping the other person and he might even drown you while he is panicking.
Saving kids should be easier, as they are lighter and weak, but adult males can be to much of a challenge. So use your head, and if you have doubts ask bystanders to help.
Someone in my town attempted to do this in cold water. His children are now growing up without a father. Courage can make you do things you may not realized you're ill prepared for.
Looks like he was walking with those freestyle strokes. I want to get as good as that. When i freestyle while snorkeling, I feel like I'm about to break the space time barrier. I'm not smooth at all..
Last time this was posted, someone commented that he does have lifeguard experience, which is how he was able to so effectively save that person without getting pulled under, himself
I was worried until I saw him swim. Holy cow, definitely knew what he was doing.
That and knowing what to do with the ring. It seems simple but knowing instinctually to pull the person face up through it probably isn't what the average person would think to do. Probably was a life guard at some point in life.
Knowing to get behind him and keep a distance was also seriously important in this scenario.
People who are being rescued tend to cling to their rescuers in a panic, almost climbing them in terror, causing both to drown.
You have to give them something else to cling to, even if you are a strong swimmer yourself.
I was afraid he would skip the rings because he could swim, and then I was afraid he go right up to the person drowning and try to grab them.
He definitely knew what he was doing, thankfully.
Yeah watching him definitely looked like exactly what I was trained to do in lifeguard training.
He's following the rules.
not getting close, having a float, giving them the float, and having to make them grab it, vs you.
He also was doing a variant of approach stroke at least, keeping his eye on the victim.
Definitely! I had to jump in after a friend who couldn’t swim years ago and he came very close to drowning both of us with the panicked thrashing
My dad told me he was saving his brother from drowning when they were kids and had to knock him out so they both wouldn’t drown, scary stuff
Not an uncommon thing. In my lifeguard training they taught that if they latch onto you and you can't escape to plant your feet on their stomach/chest and kick off like you are racing or diving. It was obviously a only do this if its serious thing but you can't save someone if youre dead.
Back in the middle ages when I took my life guard diploma, we were not only told but also taught (because it's actually quite hard to swing your fist, with any kind of force, while your in the water) how to deck people in the head, simply because it can be the difference between life and death. As you said, people in a panic will try to climb you, resulting in both of you drowning.
That seems like a very good skill to learn
I was taught in lifeguard training, A more effective way to get away from a panicked drowning person who grab ahold of you is to grab a deep breath and start to swim downward, the drowning person will naturally try to keep head above water and release. This avoids needing to knock someone out. Also learn a cross chest hold and carry to keep a person from using their arms to climb you. If need be you roll with victim. Here, he maintains control from behind correctly. His time in freezing water reduces effectiveness . Hypothermia could be an issue. Smart of him to reduce clothing for afterward. Plus wet clothing reduces effectiveness of swimming. This man had prior training or great common sense. Hardest part would be giving CPR in water if necessary? Final rescue is not shown but more dangerous than dramatic swim out. Getting to shore and warming up.
One ring to save them all.
One ring to find them
One ring to bring them all
And in the darkness bind them
I once saw this scene with Dutch subtitles where they heard "in the darkness bite them.*
And my axe!
…shit
And in the water, save them.
haz naz tinbuktoor | HAaz nAaz RRRRakatatur
And a humongous set of balls
Not in that freezing water!
It's not the size its how you use them.
Well, in this case 2 rings to save 1 guy, but yeah something like that
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The ring probably made the save possible but I think the guy that jumped in could easily have gotten himself to safety if needed.
As opposed to??? Is there a wrong/right way to use these rings? I'm asking for a friend who drowns.
Basically the key is you don't give it to the person in trouble. They are likely in panic mode and will very likely make the situation worse by flailing around.
Also it is important to specifically have them in the middle of it rather than being on top of it like an inner tube, because it could easily flip in that situation, or just having them hold on to it (which would probably be their first instinct if handed it) because if their arms give out or they pass out then it's useless, plus that style doesn't force their head above the surface which is the entire point. Having them lean back once in the middle of the tube is also important because again if they pass out (or already have) it keeps the face up and out of the water.
(Edit: as a side note all of this is why most life guards now use the big noodle looking things rather than rings. They are simpler and work much better for the person doing the rescue.)
Finally another huge thing that is less obvious I that this guy did is to, as the rescuer, get behind the person in trouble. If you try to save them face to face it is very possible that in their panic they will grab you and not the float and potentially force you underwater and drowning you.
Hope you never need to know, but now you do
Better to have and not need, right? Thanks for the lovely rundown!
Very true. Lastly I would add that while it's very noble to want to save someone in a situation like this, know your limits and abilities. The last thing anyone needs is two victims. Unless you have a life jacket yourself or are a strong swimmer, do not attempt it. The floatation is meant for the person in trouble while the rescuer will have to drag them on it to safety. If you can't save them you're only making it worse.
“First, do no harm.” Including to yourself.
What? No, on the contrary, when I trained as a lifeguard, we were told to give them ONLY the flotation device. That's to protect us. They are panicking, that's true--but it causes them to try to use YOU to save themselves, and they can drown you.
You absolutely throw them the float.
A proper device has a line connected to haul the victim.
Well yes in a situation where there is a line attached (which you're right that there should be) and you can get it to them to grab onto then that is best case scenario. Ideally you don't need to get in the water even in that situation. I was more speaking to the situation in the video where there doesn't seem to be any line attached so you have to go to them. Without a line the chance of losing the float entirely it too high to give it to the person directly.
I'm speaking to the video as well: I would do close to exactly what the video depicts. I would keep a larger distance from the victim. They actually taught us to kick the victims underwater to maintain distance if they panicked in our direction.
Anyway, I would have gotten nearby, pushed the float to him, let him orient himself, and then get moving. In non-freezing still water, I'd let him calm down a minute before we moved. Sometimes you tow them in on top of you, if you don't have a line--so you need them calmed down and just hanging onto the float.
Anyway, you said in your other post that you should never give the victim the float. I would say you should nearly always give the victim the float. You can't lose it, that's a stupid idea. It's a float. It...floats.
I think we are misunderstanding somewhere. I also think he did a pretty perfect job in the video. What I was trying to say is that the rescuer should always be in control of the float. So in the video he does let them grab it but while he still has a hold of the far side, keeping a bit of distance as you said. Rather than just throwing it or letting him take it.
Idk, its been a while since I took lifeguard classes, but I think its totally fine to give them the float. Idk what you think is going to happen if they have it? It doesnt sink, theyre not gonna go swim away with it... you give it to them, they cling for dear life, then you drag them in.
Hope I never do either but thank you for the information!! I feel safer already.
TIL this isn’t obvious to people who haven’t spent much time in water.
Yeah I mean you can tell there isn't a lot of water experience in this video outside of the guy that jumps in. The fact they don't even have a leash on the rings says a lot. Even if one had made it to the guy, what then? He's still freezing and doesn't seem like a swimmer.
I definitely, as an inexperienced bad swimmer, thought to myself: why is he wasting time getting the floaties, he should swim to them and grab them before they drown!!
Well, now I know that is exactly the wrong thing to do.
Being able to swim is great, being able to swim AND knowing how to handle a person panic drowning is a superpower. This guy moved through the water like a damn hippo.
It’s actually the guy’s experience with freezing water that matters here.
A lot of people including good swimmers drown when they hit freezing waters and are not prepared for it. Their lungs automatically gasps and they breathe in water.
It is crazy how much cold water can knock the breath out of you and make you freeze up. And I've never been in truly cold water even.
Yeah, this guy clearly swims a lot.
his legs are supercavitating lol
making his swimming super captivating...
Propelling him like an engine
Learned a new word today; thanks!
His leg power was crazy. That's why I suck at swimming. My technique is awful
My problem is that I sink like a rock.
Same, muscle and bone density real good. With lungs completely full of air I sink to the bottom of our pool immediately.
That's basically true of any male competitive swimmer, though.
Sinking like a rock doesn't really affect your ability to swim - it's just annoying when you see other people relaxing, floating on their back.
Yeah, clearly not this guy's first rodeo. Good on him.
Yeah, clearly has had training. Very cool
Right. He swims faster than I run.
Probably played water polo. That kick and his stability above the water make me think he’s spent a lot of time swimming.
In case anyone is in this situation the order of rescue goes reach, throw, row, go. Even trained professionals sometimes drown trying to rescue people so go should be a last resort like this case.
Same first thought. Bro swims fast as fuck.
Gotta give them something to try to drown other than yourself.
Man was swimming on top of the water
That guy should get hot chocolate for free for life.
And fleece blankets
And my axe.
Body spray?
Thank you for putting a stop to the second lotr reference I've seen on this post. May your toilet seat not be cold
Looks like he has had training, maybe he was a former lifeguard. The guy in the water was lucky he was around.
The way he hit the water and immediately wasted no time, he absolutely has training.
I've had training, this guy did not, the way he swims, uses the lifebuoy, no this guy is 100% just hero figuring it out on the spot. Not sure why you think after jumping from a bridge if you don't hang around for a bit that means you're trained.
I'm trained too, but in places like New Zealand and Australia, not places where you have to fight penguins for the life-buoy.
Agree completely with you, this guy is just winging it and doing a fkn AMAZING job of it.
Even with my training, I'd hit that cold water and just die crying.
Fighting penguins for the life-buoy, ahahahahaha.
I would say he had training, just prob different from what I got at the y 20 years ago.
He might not have been on a swim team. But it looks like he was a lifeguard of some sort.
I’m not sure if he’s had lifeguard level training but it seems he’s had some water safety exposure — certainly more so than the average person. Could be for a myriad of reasons
Other armchair experts here seem to think he had training.
Or military
A lot of people could save someone in decent temps. You just don’t how your body will react with super cold temps. Hats off to dude for being able to fight through that. Sometimes your body will just stop working in temps like that.
I’d jump in and save a stranger, but I’d need a rope tied to that ring. I wouldn’t trust my body’s ability to keep going. I’ve been trained as a lifeguard.
When I went to Iceland my partner and my bro and sis in law and I took a fjord cruise that stopped at a little village and I wanted to experience the water (young and in my prime!) but they convinced me not to jump in the canal coming off the river into the village since you got out by climbing an eight foot rope. As a concession I said fine I’ll wade into the river itself—gentle slope, low current, a natural “bay” actually making it more like a stagnant spinning pool—and I got in quickly and was able to swim like 20 meters before it was no longer a matter of pain or will power but it felt like a progressive physical locking up of my joints in my arms shoulders and legs. I walked out and I am happy I did it because it was a fucking experience but I would have died had it not been such a low grade bank
You verbalized that perfectly, “it was no longer a matter of pain or will power”. In those conditions, you body can just stop working
Iceland, jeez, I meant Norway
I skinny dipped on a gravel beach at Hammerfest Norway. They say the first step is the hardest, but I found it was the 3rd step when the water reached my balls.
AlI’ve swam regularly in a cold bay (48F degrees was my cutoff) in the past with just a cap and trunks, albeit via a club that has a sauna. After the usual first shock, you start swimming, always face in the water - normal freestyle. The first thing you notice is how it becomes really hard to breathe, which makes you panic. You bear through that and find a cadence. Soon after your shoulder, elbow, and wrist joint begin to stiffen, and your arms feel like heavy units, vs. articulated. More panic. Then slowly, as you warm up, as endorphins kick in, and the Mamalian Dive Reflex triggers more efficient oxygen utilization, everything settles in. There was a buoy there about 200 yard in, and that was my “calm” marker. I would pop up there and tread water, taking in the view for a second before completing the half-mile circle, feeling pretty normal, but cold and breathing at a high rate.
I don’t know what river that is but it looks like a big one in Asia. The average low of the Yangtze river is 50F degrees.
That sounds pretty pleasant actually! The water temp in Norway (just for anyone interested) was around 1C (34f). Honestly it was pretty dumb but I would love to try a reasonably cold swim around 50F. I know cold plunges are all the rage right now and I do like them. Being able to warm up the body while submerged in the cold now strikes me as possibly enjoyable from your account, haha.0
Not all heroes wear clothes.
Not all heroes stay clothed.
Most hero’s get naked
Unless they have really poor hygiene and never shower.
Unless their particular superpower is not having body odor. Deodorant Man. Captain Nosmell. Or something.
Captain Natural.
Raw human pheromones.
He loves the smell of his pits.
Some call it pungent, others call it gross.
Captain Underpants.
how the hell did they get out there in the first place
Same burning question
Damn I thought I could swim. This Mf sliding across that water. Levels
Peobably helped by adrenaline too. But if it were me, pumped with adrenaline, I will be able to swim for 5 seconds and then start to drown from the sheer cold. Dude is a monster.
I literally pumped a fist when he grabbed the dingy. That's good training right there.
You wouldn't believe how common secondary drownings are, where the frantic actions of the victim end up causing the rescuer to drown. Grabbing that dingy was a pro move
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I mean I hope the guy who dove had training.
Because theres nothing worse than some guy trying to go save someone... and now you are stuck with 2 people in need of saving.
Armchair lifeguard here. He looked like he knew what he was doing. He put the life ring between him and the rescuee. Even when he directly put it over top of them he did it from behind and never directly touched the them. So they didn't have the opportunity to drag him down in a panic.
The issue is cold water. Didn’t see him cover nose. Cold water can make you forcibly inhale via shock. Plugging nose can help prevent. It really depends on water temp though… People have drowned by jumping into cold water and forcibly inhaling water due to the cold.
Maybe that's what happened to the person I was talking about, very unfortunate
That is fascinating ty for sharing that
His jump was also solid by going feet first to be able to immediately bounce back up to the surface and minimize the time at the coldest water temps and maintain eyes on the other guy in the water.
I had the same thought until I saw how he moved in water. He's a very strong swimmer, my guess is he's had a lot of time in water and has life guard training.
Someone in my town tried doing this and he died. He was a good swimmer, the water was cold but not freezing. Nobody knows exactly what happened, but he ended up drowning in the lake. They called him a hero, and his attempt was heroic, but his kids are now growing up without a father.
I think a lot of people would be surprised how they would act. When you're in a situation where someone is in danger and you are confident in your ability to save them, it's not even a question. You just do it automatically. To the point of being potentially dangerous. Humans learned we are more powerful together so long ago it's etched into our DNA. Our default action and expectation is to look out for each other, imo.
ChatGPT ah
Zero hesitation is critical in cold water. You’ve only got a few minutes before your arms and legs begin to shut down. It’s hard to do given the initial shock reflex, but it is key.
The human hypothermia response is to abandon the extremities. The arteries close up to prevent blood from circulating in cold tissues to keep the brain and heart warm. This is what was happening with the victim, and why he would have drown without rescue.
Brave lad. We need more hearts like this in the world.
Being brave can sometimes lead to a second person drowning. You have to be brave and know what you’re doing/trained for it. If you can’t swim or don’t know how to swim in conditions like this now you have two emergencies instead of one.
Yes I agree.
A lot of people here are convinced this guy has extensive water rescue training but I actually think the opposite. As a lifeguard, this video made me very nervous the first time I saw it. The man clearly has some sort of swimming experience but I dont think he has water rescue training. He gets to the victim very quickly, although his form swimming with the buoy is definitely a little wonky. But once he gets to the victim you can tell he really doesnt know what to do. He tries to put the ring around the victims head (contrary to misconception that is not the intended use case for a ring) and it looks like he even hits the victim on the head with it at one point. Then he sort of waits for the victim to save himself with the ring.
The correct approach here (in my opinion) would be to approach from the front with a breast stroke and push the buoy under the water to get the victims arms on top of it, while keeping himself a safe distance away. When I had training in using atypical rescue devices I would have been declared a failed save and told to try again for getting so close to the victim.
Alternatively, with the rear approach he took there is a good opportunity for a cross chest carry but performing that with a ring buoy is not ideal.
The man did a fantastic job saving this guys life and he is a hero no doubt. But I dont think hes been trained to do this.
Edit: I just rewatched the video and I would like to add that the man does absolutely NOTHING to secure the victim to the device once he is on it. This is a huge safety concern as the victim could very easily slide back into the water and begin drowning again. The correct approach is to ensure their arms are wrapped backwards around the buoy so that the buoy is basically in their armpits, then you would hook one of your arms over their arm and the buoy, essentially securing them to the buoy so that even if they fell unconcious you would be able to hold them up. Then you use your free arm to tow them back to shore.
I’ve jumped in glacial lakewater before (probably closer to 35-40F, not freezing like here), and this is incredibly impressive.
When you hit the water, the shock instantly takes your breath away. After 30 seconds in the water it makes you practically start hyperventilating from the cold and your muscles slow down and become stiff. This guy is a beast, I have no idea how he made it to shore.
The rescuer has training and real life experience. 1) During his leap and fall he kept his eye on the subject. 2) he entered the water properly to have minimal disruption and maintained direction to float and subject 3) maintained sight of subject during swim 4) kept distance from the subject to prevent a double drowning 5) presented float to subject and allowed subject to recognize 6) at the point the subject is gaining recognition was able to position the float. 7) maintained safe distance to prevent secondary panic and double drowning.
To any reader, if you don't know have the real in water training to pull some one from the water you will only double crisis.
Take note, he jumps feet first in unfamiliar water and not head first
I have taken ice baths before and i know this hurts like shit.
Especially after he still got warm clothes on.
FYI: It feels like benig inpaled by a million throbbing needles
Thats a hero
Damn that guy is a bad ass. Also, anyone notice how well he swims? He obviously spent some time as a competitive swimmer.
that dude's a swimmer, maybe even a lifeguard. Heck of a stroke
Isn’t jumping in like that really risky? Will some people take a big autonomic deep breath? Or am i misunderstanding?
If you aren't use to it or new to swimming some people will. This guy has obviously being swimming a lot so it is unlikely he is at risk of it.
He swam like he owned the water
The man can SWIM
Bro was definitely trained, that went basically perfectly. He did everything right.
Wtf that dude is strolling through water like it was nothing
Case note. This is what a person drowning actually looks like. Bobbing up and down. Not really splashing.
Damn good swimming, damn good human being!
A true hero, nice to see that
Fucking bad ass right there.
This dude can swim!!
I can't swim, so in a situation like this, all I can do is just watch someone drowning. 😳
If you can toss something for them to hang on, run or swim to get help, that will suffice. It wont be your fault if the person passes away.
True hero
There's still good in this world.
This guy fucks what a legend
that's a hero
With that stroke, Bro has been a professional lifeguard!!
It’s hard to describe but the swimmer looks like he’s running in the water
Daaamn that dude is an effective swimmer. Holy cow.
Generally though, don't do this. Even if you're a strong swimmer, you don't know what has caused the person to get into distress.
This guy turbo paddles
Not all heroes wear capes...some wear naught but their skivvies.
Well done. I'm guessing he's a lifeguard.👏 👏 👏
This was a British diplomat that saved a student from drowning, happened in China 5 years ago.
First of all that dude does not look British
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=76xkXnyyIw4
second it was a different case
Here is a small reminder, if you are not in shape and do not have experience swimming in cold water, it is most likely best to not do that this amazing man did. More likely than not you will get shock, can start panicking, and/or have issues helping the other person and he might even drown you while he is panicking.
Saving kids should be easier, as they are lighter and weak, but adult males can be to much of a challenge. So use your head, and if you have doubts ask bystanders to help.
Not all heros wear clothes.
Respect to this brave man!
Remove cloths become hero?
In that order!
Some stand and watch, hoping someone will help, while the heroes immediately take action.
Yeah my ass sure as hell can't swim
I'm not the best either. So I would probably try and die.
Today i realized that Life Savers the candy are named after life savers the life savers.
I thought he was walking in shallow water at first lol
He knows
I always wonder what I would do in this situation. I hope I have the same courage
Someone in my town attempted to do this in cold water. His children are now growing up without a father. Courage can make you do things you may not realized you're ill prepared for.
If you're not trained and an extremely strong swimmer then you're just adding another person to the rescue. Throw a life ring and call for help.
Honestly, as a family man and in poor health, I would probably hesitate like many others.
If this is indeed China, bro risked his life for a life. More than you know.
Kinda suspected at the drop. That dude knifed straight down perfectly.
How the hell they get in middle of that river or lake?
Overestimating their ability to swim in freezing cold water. Probably trying to have fun.
And people say that nobody gives a fuck about one another in China...assuming this is China.
Looks like he was walking with those freestyle strokes. I want to get as good as that. When i freestyle while snorkeling, I feel like I'm about to break the space time barrier. I'm not smooth at all..
Does anyone know if this is real? I have never seen anyone swim that fast.
what a hero
That's one chill dude
Question.. If the water was freezing, what was the guy that was in there doing in the middle of the bridge in the first place?
Can we get rid of the music?
I wish I could swim
I had trouble knowing what emotion to express when watching this. Thank god to whoever put that music in.
Maybe I should learn how to swim
Is the guy being rescued named Clarence?
Last time this was posted, someone commented that he does have lifeguard experience, which is how he was able to so effectively save that person without getting pulled under, himself
Huh I didn’t know that was how to use the preserver ring. I did see those near very body of water in China.
He is a fantastic swimmer!!! Wow!
Heros without a cape... or a shirt... or pants and shoes but, hero nonetheless!!!
Definition of a hero
Not all heroes wear cape. Sometimes they are half naked 🤣 seriously, he's a real hero
It is staged guys... a drowning victim would be either wildly splashing around, trying to swim, or would have his head below water.
Still, jumping into that cold water on the nudes is HARD
What if he's just to exhausted to move that's why he's drowning?
Look up drowning... your body will do everything to stay afloat.. what he won't is waiting calmly for rescue.
That was an impressive dive
I thought it was just "a mask"
Legend
BALLS OF STEEL
that isnt swimming thats flying in water wtf