Lifeguards have flotation devices to give to the person, either an old fashioned life ring or one of these (remember Baywatch?) and then tow them in.
Throwing them something, such as an oar or a rope or a surf board or basically anything they can hold onto where you will not come into contact with them is advised. A drowning person is panicked and some have literally climbed on top of their rescuer and dragged them under. You must be a very strong swimmer to do a direct rescue and it's always better to get help.
If you are in a situation where you are the only one to rescue a person, never approach them from the front, always from the back, as they will grip around you and pull you down. If possible, grab a shirt or clothing. As a last resort, grab the person from behind and try to get them to calm down. But that is rarely advised because if the person is drowning because they are caught in a current, you will be too. I knew one rescue diver who knocked the person out in order to save them. It's very hard to save someone and the best advice is to follow safety precautions when in the water.
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