A diver in distress at the surface is in serious danger of drowning and requires immediate assistance. After assessing the situation to make sure it's safe to respond, provide assistance by:

1. Helping the diver establish buoyancy.
2. Getting the diver to rest and breathe.
3. Providing assistance as needed.

A diver in distress will be struggling to stay at the surface, and this struggle intensifies as panic increases. For this reason, your first priority is to help the diver establish buoyancy. Your first attempt should consist of verbal instructions to the diver to ditch the weight belt and inflate the BCD.

If the distressed diver is unresponsive to your instructions, you'll have to perform these tasks for the diver. This requires precautions on your part, as the diver is likely to attempt to climb on top of you in an effort to stay out of the water. The best way to prevent this from occurring is by approaching the diver from under the water, and behind if possible.

After establishing buoyancy, give the diver time to rest and catch his or her breath. Remain close to the diver, and provide words of encouragement to help the diver regain a state of mental comfort. Do not allow the diver to descend and continue the dive because a state of panic may reoccur.

Once the diver has had a chance to rest, assist the diver back to the boat or shore. If necessary, provide assistance by towing the diver during the surface swim.