Depending on the situation, time may be one of the most critical factors in a successful rescue. If the victims breathing has stopped, you only have minutes to get out there and get him breathing again. Slower and safer methods may need to be put on the back burner (perhaps a plan B) in favor of very fast boat, wading, and swimming methods. Hypothermia victims also need quick recovery but you typically have more time than a heads down pin. Even in these dire situations, don't forget the rescuer's safety comes first. For example - novice boaters should not paddle out to a victim above a dangerous class V drop. Chances are very high that you will fail and further complicate rescue efforts. Another rescue priority to consider is people first! Boats and paddles can be replaced. If a boater is swimming with their boat and you have several boaters, place the best two boaters with the swimmer. Tell the swimmer to let go of the boat and hang on your boat. Someone else can push the boat to shore. If self-rescuing, hang on your boat and paddle only if doing so doesn't jeopardize your safety. If you are quickly heading towards a strainer, ditch the boat and swim aggressively away from the strainer.