Before entering the water, what assessments are necessary according to CATA?

The assessment of whether you need to enter the water is fundamental to ensuring your safety and the effectiveness of your rescue effort. By determining if an entry into the water is absolutely necessary, the rescuer can evaluate the situation more critically and decide on the best course of action to assist the distressed diver. This evaluation is in line with the CATA (Crisis Assessment Training and Assistance) principles, which emphasize assessing the need for water entry based on the existing conditions and potential risks involved.

This approach prioritizes the rescuer's safety and helps avoid unnecessary risks that could lead to additional incidents, creating further complications in the rescue scenario. If it is determined that assistance can be provided without entering the water, it enhances the safety of both the rescuer and the person in distress.