You are passing by a river and you know swimming. Suddenly, you hear the desperate cry of a drowning child in the water. What should you do in this situation?

Introduction / Context:
This situation-reaction question focuses on presence of mind, willingness to help and moral responsibility in an emergency. You are near a river, you can swim and you hear a child drowning. Your reaction reveals how quickly you act to save a life while still keeping basic safety considerations in mind.

Given Data / Assumptions:

- You are close enough to the river to hear the cry of a drowning child.- You are capable of swimming.- The child is in immediate danger and time is critical.- There is no indication that professional help is already active at the scene.

Concept / Approach:
In life-threatening emergencies, especially when a child is drowning, minutes or even seconds are crucial. If you have the ability to swim, the morally and socially responsible reaction is to intervene directly rather than waiting for someone else. While it is essential not to act recklessly, prompt rescue attempts by a competent swimmer can save a life when there is no time to search for experts or stand aside.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recognise immediately that the situation is an emergency. A drowning child cannot wait long for help.Step 2: Since you know swimming and are reasonably confident in the water, decide to assist directly rather than delay.Step 3: Quickly remove any items that may hinder your movement in the water, such as shoes or heavy clothing, if time permits.Step 4: Dive or enter the river safely, keeping your own stability in mind so that you do not become a second victim.Step 5: Swim towards the child, adopt a safe rescue hold and bring the child back to the shore as efficiently as possible.Step 6: Once out of the water, ensure that emergency medical help is called and basic first aid or resuscitation is provided if you are trained to do so.

Verification / Alternative check:
Waiting for someone else or searching for professional divers wastes precious time during which the child could drown. Consoling the parents while the child is still in danger does nothing to address the actual emergency. Since the question explicitly states that you know swimming, you are in a position to act positively and effectively. Diving in with reasonable caution is therefore the most appropriate action.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option B is passive and risks the child's life while you merely observe. Option C may be suitable if you cannot swim, but in this scenario you are already capable, so delaying for experts is unjustified. Option D offers emotional comfort to the parents but does not help the drowning child. Only option A directly addresses the emergency in a timely and responsible manner.

Common Pitfalls:
Some candidates may hesitate due to fear of personal risk, but the question clearly states that you know swimming, implying reasonable competence. While you must not act recklessly, the expectation in such tests is that you show courage and initiative to save a life when you have the skills to do so, instead of waiting passively for others.

Final Answer:
You should immediately dive into the river and attempt to save the drowning child, taking reasonable care of your own safety.