This is the gist of it... Sorry if the example are not good enough...
It would be wiser to try and get help rather than trying to do something that you are unable to. Jumping in there could make the situation worse for your friend. Two people struggling to stay afloat is more dangerous than one. In an attempt to stay afloat, you could push him under and in vice versa. If you've ever been a life gaurd or taken classes, that is one of the things that you will learn; that if you don't know what you're doing you'r'e more of a threat than help. If a friend needed surgery, should the other try to do the surgery? Of course not because he doesn't know what he is doing. So likewise, the other friend should try to get help or use the resources around him (finding a rope or life-preserver) to try and help. But he should not attempt to do something he doesn't know how to do.
Also, if a person does not understand the gospel or is a novice handling the word... what will happen with those he tries to save? They will be misled. It is good to act out of love, but we should not be fully led by emotion alone. God is also the arthor of wisdom and knowledge.
WIth Love,
Snipe