Water entry technique is chosen by water depth, victim condition, and the need to keep eyes on the victim. The compact jump protects the rescuer entering deep water from height; the stride jump keeps the head above water in known-deep water so the victim stays in view; the slide-in entry is slow but essential in shallow water or when spinal injury is suspected, because it avoids jarring the victim or injuring the rescuer. A run-and-swim entry covers distance from a zero-depth shoreline. Choosing the wrong entry can injure the rescuer or the victim, so entry selection is a deliberate decision made before leaving the stand, not a reflex.
This video demonstrates the different ways a lifeguard enters the water depending on depth and situation: the slide-in entry for shallow water or suspected spinal injury, the stride jump and compact …