Awareness – If a "What are the potential risks if I undertake this activity?" question had been asked prior to the activity, a Teacher may have placed a rope across the pool or been in the water themselves and thus prevented the situation even occurring.
General rules for a rescue:
 - let others know what you are doing and get outside help if at all possible
 - measure your own capabilities and skills against the environmental conditions. (else there may be a need to rescue two people – you and the patient)
 - if your patient is conscious, calm and reassure them frequently
 - where possible, use a non contact tow
 - if using a contact tow, utilise buoyancy/floatation/rescue aids if at all possible
 - try to keep the patient in your slipstream