What is a fast and effective method to help a distressed swimmer who is still responsive and within arm's reach?

A land-based assist is a fast and effective method to help a distressed swimmer who is still responsive and within arm's reach because it allows you to provide immediate support without needing to enter the water. This method ensures that you remain in a stable position and can quickly grab hold of the swimmer to offer physical assistance or support. When a swimmer is in distress but still able to respond, keeping them calm and reassuring them while maintaining your own safety is crucial.

Other options may involve more complex procedures or unnecessary actions given the swimmer's responsiveness. For instance, water rescue techniques might require you to enter the water, which can be risky if the swimmer is panicking. Rescue tube deployment or throwing a flotation device could be useful in certain scenarios, but these actions may take extra time, and a quick physical assist is more effective when the swimmer is just within reach.