What is the ideal rate for in-water rescue breaths?

The ideal rate for delivering in-water rescue breaths is one breath every 5 to 6 seconds. This pacing is designed to ensure that the person receiving the breaths has adequate time to inhale and integrate the air without the risk of aspiration or distress. Delivering breaths too quickly can lead to complications and prevent efficient gas exchange, which is crucial in a rescue scenario.

In contrast, some other options suggest rates that do not align with the physiological needs of the victim. For instance, five breaths per minute would be too slow for effective ventilation. The 30 to 1 ratio pertains to compressions and ventilations during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) on land, not underwater. Lastly, a rate of 100-120 breaths per minute is similarly too fast for effective rescue breathing and is more relevant to the rate of chest compressions in a CPR context. Hence, the correct choice supports the best practice for conducting in-water rescue breaths effectively.