The rear approach is generally preferred for an active victim because it keeps the rescuer out of the victim's forward field of grasp: the rescuer approaches from behind, positions the rescue tube against their own chest, reaches under the victim's armpits, and leans back so the victim's head and shoulders rise onto the tube's buoyancy. The victim feels support before they can turn and grab. The same approach adapted for a passive victim adds rolling them face-up and immediately checking for responsiveness and breathing. The rear approach transitions directly into towing, and, for an unresponsive victim, into rapid extrication so that care can begin — with emergency services activated per the facility's plan.
This video demonstrates approaching a victim from behind, securing them with a hooking motion under the armpits, and positioning them onto the rescue tube for support before towing to safety, along w…