A rescue swimmer is designated when the man overboard is ____________ or ________________________.

The selection of "injured" or "incapacitated" as the criteria for designating a rescue swimmer is grounded in the importance of assessing the condition of a person in distress at sea. When an individual goes overboard and is found to be injured or incapacitated, immediate rescue efforts are paramount to ensure their safety.

In these scenarios, a rescue swimmer is critical because they possess the skills and training necessary to navigate the water safely, reach the individual, and provide assistance as needed. This proactive approach allows for quicker intervention to manage potential life-threatening situations, such as drowning or shock from injuries. The training emphasizes the need for a swimmer to step in when someone requires urgent physical assistance that cannot be rendered from the boat.

While the other options present different situations concerning a person who has fallen overboard, they do not capture the urgency that comes with the potential for serious injuries or incapacitation. The focus is on ensuring that rescue efforts are effectively tailored to the risks present, which is why recognizing injury or incapacitation as critical indicators is essential in emergency response protocols.