Lifeguards should retrieve a non-swimmer with a rescue tube, staying safe while guiding them to shore.

Handling a non-swimmer in the water: why a rescue tube is your safest move

If you’re a lifeguard, you’ve trained to read the water the moment you arrive on duty. You scan, you listen to the surf, you size up crowds, and you keep a calm head even when adrenaline starts to spike. When you spot a non-swimmer drifting in the reach of a shoreline or a busy pool, your first instinct should be to act in a way that protects everyone involved. And yes, that means using the rescue tube to retrieve the person—without putting yourself at risk. Here’s the thing: it’s not about heroics; it’s about smart, controlled response that buys time for both of you.

Why the rescue tube isn’t just a prop, but a lifesaver

Let me explain why this little piece of gear is so pivotal. The rescue tube is more than a buoyant stick. It creates a floating handle that you can reach toward the person while you stay steady in the water. With the tube, you’re not tied up in a hand-to-hand struggle or guessing if you’ve got a good grip. The tube lets you:

• Reach safely to the person, even in choppy water or larger waves.

• Keep a personal buoyant barrier between you and the swimmer’s thrashing, which reduces the chance of being grabbed or knocked off balance.

• Provide something for the non-swimmer to hold onto, which can calm panic in a crisis.

• Maintain a safer distance so you’re not pulled toward the person’s location by their movements.

And yes, this approach minimizes the risk for you. If you’re not yet trained in more aggressive rescue techniques or if the water conditions are rough, staying out of the line of fire is not a sign of weakness—it’s smart strategy.

What to do, step by step

Think of this as a simple rhythm you can run through in your head while you’re watching the water. It’s all about a smooth, controlled flow rather than frantic maneuvers.

1. Scan, assess, and call for help if needed

• As soon as you spot a possible non-swimmer, lock in your assessment: is there a current, are there other swimmers nearby, how far away is the person, and what are the waves doing?

• Communicate clearly with your team. A quick, “I’ve got a non-swimmer—back-up requested,” can save precious seconds. You want eyes on you and eyes on the person.

2. Grab the rescue tube and extend to the person

• Stand with solid footing, keep your body low, and bring the tube between you and the water’s edge if possible.

• Reach out with the tube, not with your entire torso leaning forward. The goal is to transfer buoyancy and create a stable path for the person to grab onto.

• Talk to them as you extend: “I’ve got you. Grab the tube.” People often calm down when they hear a calm, reassuring voice.

3. Secure the contact and start the tow

• Once the person has something to hold onto, gently guide them toward shore or to the pool deck. Your aim is to maintain control, not to power through.

• If the person can help by assisting with breath and movement, welcome that cooperation. If they’re overwhelmed, keep your grip steady and let the tube bear the load.

• Keep your own head above water, watching for shifts in posture or signs of fatigue in the swimmer.

4. Bring them to safety and assess aftercare needs

• As you approach the shore, switch to a safer hold and prepare for a gentle transfer to the deck or a chair.

• Once on solid ground, check breathing, responsiveness, and potential injuries. If there are any concerns, call for medical assessment right away.

• Keep the individual warm and calm. A blanket or dry clothes can make a big difference after a stressful moment in the water.

5. Debrief and document

• After the incident, review what happened with your team. Note what went well and where you could adjust your approach for next time.

• A quick reminder: even a successful rescue can be followed by fatigue or shock, so keep an eye on the person for a while and be ready to re-engage if needed.

When you should skip entering the water yourself

Here’s a practical rule of thumb: if conditions feel unsafe or you’re not confident in your ability to reach the person from a distance, don’t risk entering the water. A few situations that call for backup or alternative tactics include strong currents, large surf, or a crowded area where space is tight. In those moments, a trained partner with the apparatus and a coordinated plan can make the difference. It’s not about saving face; it’s about saving lives.

A few thoughts on timing and communication

• Speak in short, clear phrases. Keep your voice steady; panic loves loud, erratic sounds.

• Use the equipment you have. A rescue tube isn’t a luxury; it’s a core tool in your kit.

• Don’t chase the person with your hands. Let the tube do the heavy lifting, and guide the swimmer toward safety with your body position and line of sight.

Common missteps to avoid

• Jumping in to grab someone without a plan. You can get overwhelmed or get pulled under, and that ups the danger for both of you.

• Grabbing around the swimmer’s neck or shoulders. That can trigger panic or a choking risk.

• Waiting too long for “the right moment.” If you’re sure you can reach them with the tube, do it quickly and calmly.

• Ignoring bystander helpers. A well-communicated plan with your team makes the operation smoother.

A quick tangent you’ll recognize from real-world shifts

Many lifeguards rely on a buddy system even during routine patrols. You might keep one eye on the water while your partner keeps a spare flotation device ready at hand. It’s like having a spare tire in your car—you hope you don’t need it, but when you do, it’s a lifesaver. Equipment readiness isn’t flashy; it’s practical. A well-rehearsed routine saves seconds and reduces stress when every second counts.

From the beach to the pool: adapting the approach

The same principle holds whether you’re near a rocky shoreline or a chlorinated basin. In saltwater, the currents can shift abruptly; in a pool, people may panic in a tight space with others around. The rescue tube remains your faithful ally because it provides flotation, reach, and control. The specifics—how you angle your body, where you place your feet, or how you coordinate with a teammate—will vary with conditions, but the core concept stays the same: extend the tube, keep both you and the swimmer safe, then bring everyone to a secure place.

A few words on training and ongoing readiness

You don’t become a lifeguard by luck. It’s about consistent practice, scenario drills, and staying familiar with your gear. Regular checks on your rescue tube, whistles, radios, and first-aid kits aren’t chores; they’re the backbone of reliable response. When your team trains together, you build a shared rhythm—like musicians in a band who instinctively know when to cue the next note. In the water, that rhythm translates to faster, safer saves.

Real-life voices from the shoreline

Ask any veteran lifeguard, and you’ll hear a similar refrain: “The water tests you, not just with strength but with restraint.” It’s tempting to be aggressive in the moment, especially when you see someone in distress. But the most effective action is often the quiet, deliberate one—the tube extended, the person secured, the path to safety clear. You’ll notice that the calm, confident approach calms the swimmer too, and that small emotional shift can mean the difference between a near-miss and a successful outcome.

Closing thought: safety-first is the real finish line

So, when a non-swimmer is found in the water, the smart move is clear: retrieve with the rescue tube, keeping your own safety at the forefront. It’s a simple, practical principle that pays off in real-life moments. You’re not just rescuing someone; you’re modeling how to respond with care, precision, and calm under pressure. That’s what good lifeguarding looks like in action—every day on the job, in every sunlit hour spent watching the water.

If you ever want to talk about specific scenarios, gear checks, or how to fine-tune your approach for a particular pool layout, I’m here to help walk through it. After all, the point isn’t to memorize a single move but to build a reliable, repeatable response that keeps people safe and gives you confidence when the water throws a curveball.