Search and Rescue (SAR) Certification Practice Test 2025 – The Complete All-in-One Guide to Exam Success!

Traveling perpendicular to the flow of a stream is not recommended primarily due to the risk of being swept away by the current. When entering a stream at a right angle, the full force of the water flow acts against the individual's body. This can create an unbalanced situation, making it difficult to maintain stability and control.

Instead, the safer techniques involve either traveling at an angle to the flow or downstream with the current. Approaching the stream at an angle allows the person to make use of the water's natural flow while maintaining balance and stability. Additionally, moving with the current can help reduce the physical strain on the individual, as they would be working with the water rather than against it. Sustaining a steady forward motion also aids in maintaining control and preventing oneself from being knocked off balance.

Thus, the strategy of crossing a stream should prioritize safety and stability, ensuring that individuals do not put themselves in harm’s way by facing the current directly.