The Lord commands that a Brahmchari may do whatever is necessary (at the risk of breaking their duty of Brahmcharya) in order to save the life of oneself or others. In times of emergency such as a house on fire, somebody drowning, someone being attacked or any other such situation where one’s own or another’s life is in danger, a Brahmchari must save his own life or the life of a woman by touching or talking to her. Thus the law of Ahimsa is above Brahmcharya.
Shatanand quotes an example of talking to a woman by saying that a Brahmchari may warn women by saying, “The water is very deep here, do not enter the water”, in order to save the woman from imminent danger. Similarly, he may touch a woman if he sees a woman drowning. After saving such a woman, he should perform the said Prayaschit (single day fast) in order to intone for his sin.
Shatanand explains that if a Brahmchari ignores the calls of a woman in danger, allowing her to die, then this sin of ignorance is a Mahapapa - a far greater sin than that of touching or talking to a woman to save her (which can be easily intoned for). For this reason, saving such a woman is his best duty.
Life and the maintenance of life are of great importance here. This is the message that is stressed here. Bhagwat explains that Abhayadaan (to give protection or shelter) is considered great. Therefore, all should act appropriately and to their means in order to fight the threat of death. Yama Smruti explains: Dharmaha Paro Jivaraksha Hyadharmastadviparyayaha - ‘The greatest duty is to save a life. To allow a life to perish is a great Adharma (sinful act).’
Through this body we are able to serve and realise God. We are able to observe duty and therefore it is vitally important that the body is preserved and protected, if necessary, at other costs. Mahabharata explains that the fruits from the performance of a Yagnas will perish after some time but the fruits from offering Abhayadaan are endless and will never perish.