To avoid injury to yourself when making a rear rescue, you should

Making a rear rescue requires careful technique to ensure both the rescuer's and the victim's safety. Turning your head before making contact allows you to maintain awareness of your surroundings and assess the situation. This action helps to anticipate any sudden movements from the victim and enables the rescuer to position themselves properly for the rescue.

Maintaining proper awareness is crucial because a panicking victim may struggle, which could inadvertently cause harm to both individuals. By turning your head first, you reduce the risk of colliding with the victim or losing your balance, therefore making the rescue safer and more effective.

The other methods may not provide the same level of safety. Keeping your head low could position you in a way that makes it challenging to see what's happening. Using a flotation device can be beneficial in some scenarios, but if you don't have the correct positioning or awareness, it may not assist in the rescue effectively. Pulling the victim by their arms without careful positioning could lead to injury or increase anxiety, making the situation more dangerous for both parties.