SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/scout-rescuer-rule-one

What is Rule No. 1 for anyone trying to save a person in the water?

Don't become victim No. 2.

Start playing free

  1. Always swim out right away
  2. Don't become victim No. 2 ✔
  3. Wait for a lifeguard every time

Why: A rescuer who gets in trouble can't help anyone. That's why you reach or throw when you can, instead of swimming out to the person.

Huh, didn't know that: Some people drown while trying to save someone else in the water.

The dad joke
Why did the Scout carry a rope to the lake? Just in case things went overboard.
Like this card?
Play the game

References

Answer: Don't become victim No. 2. A rescuer who gets in trouble can't help anyone. That's why you reach or throw when you can, instead of swimming out to the person.

  1. Lifesaving merit badge pamphlet filestore.scouting.org/filestore/Merit_Badge_ReqandRes/Pamphlets/Lifesaving.pdf
    Don’t become victim No. 2.
    Checked 2026-10-09.

Think this answer is wrong? Tap "Challenge this answer" on the card in the game and tell us why.

Test yourself in the game

Outdoors & CampingWhat is the order of water rescue methods Scouts learn?Outdoors & CampingBefore reaching from a dock to pull in a struggling swimmer, what should you do first?Outdoors & CampingWhy should a rescue swimmer avoid touching a panicking swimmer?

That's stuff everyone should know.