Panic is often described as when someone feels that they are in an alien environment with no avenue of escape. Sometimes people feel panic with low/no actual risk.
Subject Behaviour
Normal
Follows basic instructions
Makes effort to self rescue
Counter Panic
No purposeful movement to help themselves
Catatonic
Doesn't make effort to self rescue
Panic
Only cares about clear and patent airway
Will do ANYTHING to maintain airway
Very strong and determined
Wide eyes
Gasping
Ladder climbing/wing flapping
Self Defense
Protect Yourself
Keep your distance
Coach them in to shore/safety
Reverse and ready
Splash in the face
Neutralized position
Dunk them
Breaks and releases
Risk Management
Defending Yourself
Coach them in to shore/safety
Reverse and ready
Splash in the face
Neutralized position
Dunk them
Breaks and releases
Risk Management
COLOUR CODING
Blue helmet (status quo, normal behavior expected)
Yellow helmet (non, weak and nervous swimmers)
Red Helmet (medical/cognitive/ability challenge)
Teaching Tips
Fun active drill best done after Throwbagging and before Tethered Rescue
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