What action should be taken if you notice someone in distress in the water?

When someone is in distress in the water, the best action to take is to alert others and prepare to assist. This approach ensures that the person in distress receives the help they need while also maintaining safety for the rescuer and others nearby. Jumping in without assistance can often lead to more danger, as an untrained rescuer may put themselves at risk of drowning or escalating the situation. Waiting for the individual to signal for help can be counterproductive, as they may not have the ability to call for help effectively. Ignoring the situation is never advisable, as it could lead to a tragic outcome if the person truly needs assistance. By alerting others, you can coordinate a proper rescue response, ensuring that trained individuals can take action while you prepare to assist, perhaps by throwing a flotation device or guiding the distressed individual to safety.