Francesco "Frank" Pia is an American lifeguard, recognized in the field for his research and training on ways to rescue people in trouble in the water.
He attended the City University of New York and received his MS in 1976,[citation needed] and an Advanced Certificate in Clinical School Psychology in 1977.
It is a control carry which may be used on conscious, distressed non-swimmers (DNS); as such, it is considered an extremely high-risk rescue technique and rescuers should attempt it only if trained and fit to do so.
[1] Direct contact with victims should be chosen last, after having attempted or ruled out all other "rungs" of the ladder approach.
This ensures that the victim's head and shoulders are clear of the water while you swim to safety with a one-arm pull and either whipkick or eggbeater kick.