What should instructors emphasize during rescue training?

In rescue training, it is crucial for instructors to emphasize proper techniques for managing distressed divers because these skills are fundamental to ensuring the safety and effectiveness of a rescue operation. When a diver is in distress, their physical and emotional state can be highly unpredictable, making it essential for rescuers to use correct techniques to stabilize the diver and provide assistance without exacerbating the situation.

Emphasizing proper techniques helps divers learn how to assess the situation, approach the distressed individual safely, and provide necessary aid. This includes skills such as recognizing signs of panic, offering reassurance, and employing recovery methods that prioritize both the rescuer's and the distressed diver's safety. Focusing solely on speed, communication styles, or navigation would not adequately prepare students for the complexities of a rescue scenario, where technique and safety are of utmost importance.