SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/kid-reach-throw-dont-go

Your friend is struggling in the water. What should you do?

Reach or throw, don't go. Hold out a pole or toss something that floats, and yell for a grown-up.

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  1. Reach or throw something, don't go in ✔
  2. Jump in and grab them
  3. Swim out and push them

Why: A scared swimmer can pull you under too. Reach with a pole or throw a float from the shore, and shout for help.

Huh, didn't know that: Shout for help before you try a reach or throw rescue from shore.

The dad joke
How do you communicate with a fish? You drop a line.
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References

Answer: Reach or throw something, don't go in. A scared swimmer can pull you under too. Reach with a pole or throw a float from the shore, and shout for help.

  1. Water Safety (American Red Cross) www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies/water-safety.html
    Knowing ways to safely assist a drowning person, such as “reach or throw, don’t go”.
    Checked 2026-10-11.

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Test yourself in the game

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That's stuff everyone should know.