Why is it crucial to begin rescue breathing quickly for an unresponsive drowning victim?

Beginning rescue breathing quickly for an unresponsive drowning victim is vital to prevent or minimize brain damage. When a person is submerged in water and unresponsive, their brain can be deprived of oxygen, which can lead to irreversible damage in a very short amount of time. The brain is highly sensitive to the lack of oxygen, and studies show that significant damage can occur within just a few minutes. By initiating rescue breathing promptly, you provide the victim with the oxygen they desperately need to sustain brain function and potentially save their life.

The other options, while relevant in different contexts, do not address the immediate need for oxygen in an unresponsive drowning victim. Avoiding contaminated water, allowing time for emergency responders, or maintaining body temperature do not directly contribute to mitigating brain injury caused by oxygen deprivation.