Swift Water Rescue
Swift water rescue is a highly specialized technique that requires extensive training and experience. If you are not trained, do not attempt a swift water rescue and instead call for help and work as a team. However, if you are trained, here are the steps for making a swift water rescue:
Access the Situation: before attempting a rescue, assess the situation to determine the best course of action. Take into account factors such as the current, depth, and obstacles in the water. Make sure that you are not putting yourself or others at risk.
Use a Throw-bag: if the person in distress is within reach, use a throw bag to reach them. A throw bag is a bag filled with rope that is thrown to the person in need.
Secure Yourself: if you are entering the water, secure yourself to a rope or anchor to prevent being swept away by the current. If you are performing a rescue from another boat make sure you are secure and stabilized within the boat. Do not risk another flip or bail if at all possible. Make the situation better not worse.
Attach a Rescue Rope: once you reach the person in distress, attach a rescue rope to them to prevent them from being swept away by the current.
Pull the Person to Safety: once the person is attached to the rescue rope, work with your team to pull them to safety.
If Absolutely Necessary to Save a Life, Swim to the Person in Distress: if the person is not within reach, swim to them using the "swim and flip" technique, which involves swimming on your back and flipping over to face the current when needed. Keep their head above water and swim to shore horizontally to the current using a one armed backstroke with your other arm under the armpits of the person being rescued. Do not put yourself in unnecessary danger and cause a situation in which two rescues are needed.
Provide Medical Attention: if necessary, provide medical attention to the person you have rescued.
It's important to note that swift water rescues can be extremely dangerous and should only be attempted by trained and experienced professionals.
Consider Taking a Course
Swift water rescue courses are essential for anyone involved in water-based activities, offering critical training for handling emergencies in fast-moving water.
Some of the best courses in North America include:
United States
Rescue 3 International: Swiftwater Rescue Technician (SRT). This course is widely regarded as a comprehensive training program, covering self-rescue techniques, victim rescue, and rope systems. It’s available in various locations across the US. Rescue 3 International
American Canoe Association (ACA): Swiftwater Rescue. ACA offers courses for various skill levels, from basic to advanced, focusing on practical skills and scenarios. Also found in multiple locations across the US. American Canoe Association
National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS): Swiftwater Rescue Training. These courses emphasize real-world scenarios and practical skills, ideal for outdoor professionals and enthusiasts. Located across the US.
https://www.nols.edu/en/coursefinder/courses/wilderness-medicine-and-rescue-semester-WMR/
Canada
Raven Rescue: Swiftwater Rescue Technician. Professional rescue training with a focus on real-world applications and hands-on experience. You’ll find them across Canada, including British Columbia, Alberta, and Ontario. Raven Rescue
Rescue Canada: Swiftwater Rescue Technician. Known for its comprehensive courses and experienced instructors, Rescue Canada provides thorough training in swiftwater rescue techniques. Multiple locations across Canada. Rescue Canada
Sirius Wilderness Medicine: Swiftwater Rescue. Offering a blend of classroom instruction and practical, hands-on training, Sirius focuses on equipping participants with essential rescue skills. Various locations across Canada. Sirius Wilderness Medicine
Canadian Red Cross: Swiftwater Rescue. The Red Cross offers courses tailored to different levels of expertise, focusing on safety, rescue techniques, and emergency response. Also found across Canada. Canadian Red Cross
When selecting a swift water rescue course, consider the following factors:
Certification: be sure the course is recognized by relevant authorities and provides certification.
Instructor Experience: look for courses taught by experienced professionals with extensive practical knowledge.
Course Content: ensure the curriculum covers essential topics, including self-rescue, victim rescue, rope systems, and emergency response
Location & Logistics: choose a course offered at a convenient location and consider any travel or accommodation requirements.
Be prepared! If you live, work or play near swift water environments, learn the skills needed to handle emergencies.
