Swiftwater Rescue Training Manual - Free Webs
Lexington Division of Fire
SWIFTwater Rescue
Training Manual
2007
Table of Contents
Effective 3-06
Personal Protective Equipment……………………………………………..….2
Communications………………………………………………………………..3
River Terminology and Hydrology………………………………….…………4
Self Rescue………………………………………………………………………5
Throw Bag………………………………………………………………………6
Strainers…………………………………………………………………………7
Wading Rescues…………………………………………………………………8
Combat Swims………………………………………………………………….10
Zip Lines………………………………………………………………………..12
Contact Swims………………………………………………………………….14
Boat Tethers…………………………………………………………………....15
Boat Handling……………………………………………………………..……17
SWIFTWATER PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT
AWARENESS, OPERATIONS, TECHNICIAN LEVEL
REQUISITE SKILLS: - Identify appropriate PPE for use in and near swiftwater
- Utilize swiftwater rescue PPE
OBJECTIVE: - Personnel will demonstrated an understanding of the
Equipment that is necessary to safely execute or assist with a swiftwater rescue.
- Personnel will identify equipment which should not be
Used in or near the water.
EQUIPMENT:
- Type III/IV Personal Flotation Device (PFD)
- Thermal protection (drysuit or wetsuit)
- Helmet appropriate for water rescue (no fire helmets)
- River rescue knife, secured to PFD.
- Pealess whistle
- Gloves
- Sturdy soled shoes or boots
1. Personnel will be able to identify the appropriate PPE for swiftwater rescue situations as well as the gear that is considered unsafe such as bunker gear and fire helmets.
2. Personnel will become familiar with donning and doffing, as well as utilizing the
Above listed equipment.
COMMUNICATIONS:
AWARENESS, OPERATIONS, TECHNICIAN LEVEL
REQUISITE SKILL: - communicating with non-verbal signals
OBJECTIVE:
-Personnel will demonstrate the ability to communicate
With other rescuers in swiftwater rescue situations utilizing both hand signals and whistle blasts.
EQUIPMENT:
- All personnel should be in full swiftwater PPE including
whistle.
1. River Hand Signals
“Stop”- both arms extended out to sides in T
“Go to this side”- Arm extended upward in direction desired
“Ok to Proceed”- Arm extended straight overhead
“OK”- Hand on head or tap head.
“I NEED HELP”- Hand waving overhead.
2. Whistle Signals
One blast- attention
Three long blasts- Emergency, all systems stop, look in direction of whistle.
RIVER TERMINOLOGY AND HYDROLOGY
AWARENESS, OPERATIONS, & TECHNICIAN LEVEL
REQUISITE SKILLS:
- Understanding river terminology
- Reading the river
- Recognizing hazards
OBJECTIVE:
Personnel will demonstrate knowledge of river terminology
And also recognize basic characteristics of swiftwater.
EQUIPMENT: - All personnel will wear appropriate PPE if involved in
water exercises.
Terminology:
Upstream
Downstream
River Right
River Left
Eddy- Safe Location
Pillow- on upstream side of an obstacle
Eddy fence/wall- hazard caused by large height differential on big
Rivers. (Smiling and frowning)
Hydraulics/holes- hazard from re-circulating current
Strainers- hazard that allows passage of water but not rescuers.
Foot entrapments- hazards in all rivers.
Low head dams- hazard due to hydraulics
1. Identifying Hazards-
Scene size-up should be conducted of the river to determine the hazards
Which exist and determine the most appropriate route of travel?
Rescuers should identify areas that present the most danger and should
Be avoided.
Rescuers should also identify areas that would serve as safe areas for
Intercepting a victim or navigating a boat or raft.
Self-Rescue
Operations and Technician Level
REQUISITE SKILLS:
-Setting ferry position(s)
-Survival Swim
-Recognizing Eddys
Objective:
Personnel will demonstrate correct self-rescue techniques
Including survival swim position, setting ferry
Position and recognizing Eddys.
Equipment:
-All personnel shall be outfitted in appropriate swiftwater
PPE.
- Upstream spotters, downstream safety
1. Survival Swim:
-Enter the water with feet up.
-Roll onto back with feet up, toes visible out of the water.
-Float with feet downstream, facing downstream.
2. Setting Ferry Angle:
-Assume the survival swim position.
-Set the appropriate ferry position, body angled 45 degrees
To the current head upstream, feet downstream with head in direction of desired bank.
-Change the ferry angle as directed by the instructor.
3. Recognizing Eddys:
-Assume the survival swim position.
-Choose a ferry angle and reposition to float safely
downstream.
-Select a safe area to eddy out to the bank.
Using a Throw Bag
AWARENESS, OPERATIONS, & TECHNICIAN LEVEL
REQUISITIE SKILLS: -Throwing a throw bag
-Receiving a throw bag
OBJECTIVE:
-Personnel will demonstrate the correct way to throw and
receive a throw bag.
EQUIPMENT:
-Throw bags
-All rescuers shall be outfitted in appropriate swift water
gear, including a knife.
1. Using a Throw Bag:
-Utilize underhand throw technique.
-Toss the throw bag across the chest of the “victim” by leading the
“swimmer”.
-Remain aware of rope near feet, around “victim”
-Utilize a dynamic belay to bring the “victim” into the bank.
-Restuff or coil their line for additional throws quickly.
2. Receiving a Throw Bag:
-Set the appropriate ferry angle/position directed toward bank with throw
baggers.
-Raise the hand opposite the throw baggers to provide target for throw.
-Receive the throw and transfer the line to their opposite hand.
-Hang on to the line while the rescuer belays the swimmer to the bank.
AVOIDING STRAINERS
OPERATIONS & TECHNICIAN LEVEL
REQUISITE SKILLS:
-Recognizing possible strainer hazards
-Aggressive swim over simulated strainer
OBJECTIVE:
-Personnel will recognize a strainer and take corrective actions to
avoid becoming pinned on the object.
EQUIPMENT:
-All rescuers should be outfitted in appropriate swift water rescue
PPE.
-Landscaping timber or other post
-Rope system to anchor and tension post/timber across current.
-Upstream spotters and downstream throw baggers.
-1 instructor in the water, on each side of the strainer.
1. Strainer Entrapment Simulation:
-Rescuers will be instructed in safe position to approach the
simulated strainer, self-rescue position, with hands up to protect the face.
- The rescuer will allow themselves to become pinned on the
strainer by dropping their feet and letting the simulated strainer contact their PFD at chest level.
- Rescuer will attempt to get over the strainer, simulating not being
able to push the post or timber down.
-Rescuer will go under the strainer to free themselves. Rescuer
will take care to protect their face and push the strainer upward when going under.
2. Strainer Avoidance:
-Rescuer will be instructed in aggressive swimming technique for
overcoming strainers; roll over from self-rescue position into head first position, swim aggressively toward strainer and propel self over the strainer with hands.
-Rescuer will enter the water and establish a ferry angle to line up with the strainer.
-Prior to becoming pinned, the rescuer will roll over, swim
aggressively and move
over the strainer.
Wading Rescues
TECHNICIAN LEVEL
REQUISITE SKILLS: -1 rescuer wading
-2 rescuer wading
-3 or more rescuer wading
OBJECTIVE:
Personnel will demonstrate several techniques for executing shallow water crossing in a situation when the current is not too swift.
EQUIPMENT:
-All rescuers should be outfitted in appropriate swiftwater
Rescue gear.
-Downstream backups and upstream spotters shall be
utilized.
-Staff or paddle for stability.
1. 1 Person Wading-
The Rescuer will assume a tripod position utilizing the paddle (paddle up)
facing upstream.
The Rescuer must move slowly sideways, moving only one leg or the
paddle at a time.
The Rescuer shall lean more into the paddle as the current or depth
increases
The rescuer shall assume a self-rescue position if unable to remain upright.
2. 2 Person Wading-
Rescuers will position one in front of the other, with the largest person in
front facing upstream to form an eddy.
The first rescuer utilizes the paddle in same manner as 1 person wading
technique.
The 2nd rescuer holds the PFD of the 1st rescuer and pulls downward to
assist the 1st rescuer in remaining “grounded.”
3. 2 Person Pivot-
2 Rescuers will face each other, holding each other by the shoulders of
their PFD.
The rescuers wade across the current, facing any direction, utilizing each
other for stability.
4. 3 Person Wedge-
Rescuers form a wedge, placing the largest individual in the front facing
upstream.
The front person utilizes the paddle to enhance stability (see 1 person
wading)
The rescuers behind the leader hold onto the front rescuer’s PFD, pushing
down to assist him in remaining grounded.
5. People Pivot-
3 or more rescuers will face each other, holding the life jacket of the
rescuer next to them to form a circle.
The group will move into the current in a helical fashion, either rotating
upstream or downstream around one person.
As the group rotates, the next person becomes the pivot, and the group
continues to move one space toward the opposite bank.
Combat Swims (Securing the victim)
TECHNICIAN LEVEL
REQUISITE sKILLS:
-Securing a cooperative victim
- Securing an uncooperative victim
Objective:
Personnel will demonstrate techniques to control a
cooperative and panicked/ uncooperative victim while maintaining the rescuer’s safety.
Equipment:
All personnel shall be outfitted in appropriate swiftwater
rescue gear.
1. Cooperative Victim:
The rescuer shall select the most appropriate location and time to attempt
to secure the victim such as a calm area of water when the individual is facing away from the rescuer.
The rescuer shall establish verbal contact and attempt to reassure the
victim.
The rescuer shall quickly approach the victim and grab the victim’s
opposite shoulder, and spin him/her around so the victim is facing away from the rescuer. (Reverse and ready technique)
The victim should remain on the downstream side of the rescuer.
The rescuer should either set an appropriate ferry angle and swim with a
side stroke towards shore or be assisted with a throw bag.
2. Panicked or Uncooperative Victim:
The rescuer should approach from behind the victim to minimize the
victim’s opportunities to grab the rescuer.
The rescuer should take evasive actions to prevent being grabbed which
can include moving backwards, splashing or kicking water into the victim’s face or placing his/her feet onto the victim’s chest and pushing the victim away.
The rescuer should attempt to calm and reassure the victim to encourage
cooperation.
Tension Diagonals/ Zip line
TECHNICIAN LEVEL
REQUISITE SKILLS:
-Setting up a tensioned line across the river angled 45-60 degrees
to the downstream current, using a haul system.
-Ferrying across the river, utilizing the tension diagonal.
OBJECTIVE:
-Personnel will demonstrate how to set up and utilize a tension
diagonal to cross a river.
EQUIPMENT:
All personnel should be outfitted in the appropriate swiftwater
rescue gear.
Haul system- ropes, carabiners, and pulleys.
Webbing and carabiner or pulley for rescuer crossing.
1. Tension Diagonal Set-up:
A rope will be set up crossing the river at a 45 to 60 degree angle with the
downstream current.
The rope must be made very taut, approximately 2 feet above the surface
of the water. This can be achieved utilizing a haul system and carefully selected anchors on the banks
If the rope is not tight, it will form a “V” stranding the rescuer midstream.
2. Crossing:
The rescuer will use a pulley /carabiner with loop of webbing or prussic
cord as a handle. The carabiner and/or pulley will be attached to the line.
The rescuer will hold the loop with the appropriate hand to establish the
correct ferry angle to travel to the opposite bank.
THE RESCUER SHOULD NOT TIE INTO THE SYSTEM.
The rescuer should be able to easily ferry across the river to the opposite
bank while holding the loop.
Rescuers can be instructed to switch hands mid-stream to demonstrate the
force of the water and impact of incorrect ferry position.
Contact Swims
technician level
PRE-REQUISITE SKILLS:
If the rescue swimmer will be tethered, the rescuer must practice
releasing his/her quick release harness prior to this activity.
If a tethered swimmer is utilized, line tenders must be used to tend
the line as the rescuer and victim are belayed into the bank.
REQUISITE SKILLS:
-Rescue of an unconscious, drowned, exhausted, or hypothermic
victim.
OBJECTIVES:
Rescuers will demonstrate rescue-swimming techniques for
Contacting a victim and bringing them to the bank either on a tether or with a line from a throw bag.
EQUIPMENT:
Rescuers in appropriate swiftwater rescue gear.
In-water rescuers should have on a quick release tether
Equipped PFD if being tethered.
Upstream spotters and downstream backups.
1. Contact Swims:
The rescuer will position downstream from the victim remaining on the bank.
If a tether is to be used, the rescuer will clip into the quick-release rescue harness
Cow’s tail and line tenders should take their positions slightly downstream
From the rescuer.
The rescuer should gain a visual on the victim and aggressively swim out into the
Current in order to intercept the victim’s travel. The rescuer should
Attempt to maintain a position to intercept the victim by swimming against the current until he/she contacts the victim.
Line tenders must feed out rope so the rescuer’s progress to the victim is not
Hindered by the rope.
The rescuer should grab the victim on the shoulder, with their opposite hand if
Untethered, with both hands on the shoulders if tethered.
If the rescuer is un-tethered, rescuers with throw bags should be positioned
Downstream ready to toss to the rescuer and victim.
Boat on a Tether-
TECHNICIAN LEVEL
PRE-REQUISITE SKILLS: Personnel must have previous experience with rescue
Rigging including raise and lower haul systems and setting up a high line.
REQUISITE SKILL: Tethering a boat/raft by a single point to lower down to a
Victim or location.
OBJECTIVE: Rescuers will construct a system to
Lower a raft/boat to a victim or location downstream.
EQUIPMENT:
- River raft or other boat
- Rope equipment necessary for lower system.
- All personnel should be in appropriate PPE with
Upstream spotters and downstream backups.
1. Single-point tether-
An anchor must be selected upstream from the victim or target location which
Will allow the raft to be carried to the target.
Rescuers will construct a simple lower/haul system on this anchor with the line
Attached to the bow of the boat/raft.
Rescuers will tend the line while lowering it to the target.
It may be necessary to integrate a brake system, haul system or rescuers in the
Boat depending on the rescue scenario.
2. 2 and 4 point tethers-
NOTE- The 2 and 4 point tether system is designed for slower moving narrow
Rivers.
A rescuer must ferry a line across the river, with a line tender holding the line out
Of the water on the original bank.. This line will become one of the
Upstream control lines attached to the D-ring on the raft. This line will
Then be tended by the rescuer who ferried the line across. or another
Individual on the opposite bank.
A second line is attached to the other side of the raft (on the bow) and becomes
The second stern control line, attached to a D-ring on the other side of the boat.
2 additional lines can be attached to the downstream side of the raft for the 4 point
Tether system to allow for more control.
Rescuers in the boat should position themselves toward the to prevent water
Piling up on the bow and reduce force on the boat.
3. Telfer Lower/ River Tyrolean/ Movable Control Point-
Note- This system is utilized on fast waters and is set up like the high line adapted
For river use. It is also effective for recovery searches.
A high line must be set up crossing the water, 8-10’ off the surface.
Bomb proof anchors such as trees are recommended for this line. This line
Should be angled slightly downstream.
A raft or other watercraft with strong attachment points can be used.
Questionable attachment points on the boat can be reinforced with a load sharing
3 point bridle.
A pulley is attached to the high line with a carabiner and rigging ring. A second
Pulley, to be used for change of direction, is then attached with a carabiner to the rigging ring as well. A line is run through the directional pulley, to the shore-based haul team and then attached to the boat’s anchor point.
In a boat-based lower, the line runs through the directional pulley, is attached to the boat and is tended by the boat crew.
Tag lines, to both banks, are attached to the rigging ring and provide directional
Control of the boat to river right and river left.
BOAT HANDLING
SKILLS:
Downstream Travel
Upstream Travel
Rescue Ferries
Line Ferries
Rescuer or Subject Boat Based Rescue
J Turn
“Bounce in “
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