At a water or ice rescue, PFDs must be worn by any personnel working within how many feet of the water's edge?

• A. 5 feet
• B. 10 feet
• C. 15 feet
• D. 20 feet

Answer: (B)

In water or ice rescue operations, staying buoyant near the edge is a key safety practice to prevent drowning if you slip or the conditions change. The guideline is to have personnel wear a personal flotation device when they are within ten feet of the water’s edge. That ten-foot buffer helps account for rapid changes at the shoreline—ice can crack, currents can surge, footing can be extremely slippery, and gear can snag you as you move. The PFD keeps you buoyant if you fall in, supports your airway, and makes it much easier for team members to reach and assist you, reducing the time you’re at risk in cold water. This rule emphasizes having immediate protection in a zone where the danger is greatest because proximity to the edge elevates the likelihood of immersion. In short, the ten-foot threshold balances practical access to the scene with a safety margin that minimizes drowning risk.