In swiftwater rescue, effective swimming is crucial for both rescuers and victims. Swiftwater, characterized by fast-moving currents, poses unique challenges that require specialized techniques. Two primary swimming techniques used in such environments are Defensive Swimming and Aggressive Swimming. These methods, along with maneuvers like Barrel Rolls, Back Ferry, and Strainer Drills, ensure that rescuers can navigate safely through rapid waters while minimizing risk. In this article, we will cover each technique in detail, offering both the advantages and the cautions that come with their use.

Defensive Swimming: Energy Conservation and Safety

Defensive swimming is a method where the swimmer floats on their back, feet pointing downstream. This posture allows the swimmer to use their feet to push off obstacles, such as rocks or logs, and maintain a broad visual range of the area ahead. It’s particularly useful in unknown or hazardous waters where maintaining a clear line of sight is crucial for safety. By lying on the back, the swimmer avoids face-first impact with debris, while the feet act as a shield.

When moving across the current or laterally, the swimmer rotates their body to avoid being parallel to the flow. This rotation helps reduce drag and makes paddling more efficient. By using backward strokes, the swimmer can slowly move toward a safe spot or eddy (a calm area of water behind an obstacle) without consuming excessive energy.

The main advantage of defensive swimming is its ability to conserve energy. Since the swimmer floats with minimal effort, it’s ideal for longer durations in the water or in scenarios where the swimmer needs to wait for rescue. However, it has its limitations. The speed of movement is considerably slower compared to aggressive swimming, making it unsuitable for situations that demand rapid navigation. Furthermore, the passive nature of the technique can lead to vulnerability if not used wisely in fast-moving water where quick reactions are essential.

One of the solutions to these disadvantages is learning to quickly transition between defensive and aggressive swimming as the situation demands, offering both energy conservation and the ability to rapidly adjust to new obstacles or hazards in the water.

Aggressive Swimming: Speed and Precision

Aggressive swimming is the opposite of defensive swimming in that it requires more energy but provides faster movement. Swimmers in this mode use a crawl stroke, often referred to as freestyle, with their heads raised to keep an eye on the path ahead. In swiftwater rescue, being able to visually assess obstacles and potential escape routes is vital, which is why keeping the head above water is emphasized.

This technique is designed for situations where quick, direct action is needed, such as reaching a victim or a safe area before being swept too far downstream. Aggressive swimming sacrifices energy efficiency for speed and control, making it suitable for shorter, more urgent swims.

However, aggressive swimming comes with significant challenges. It can be exhausting, especially in cold water or when wearing heavy rescue gear. Overuse of the legs through vigorous kicking (flutter kicks) can drain energy reserves faster than expected. This method also exposes the swimmer more to potential underwater hazards, as they’re moving head-first through the current.

To counter these challenges, it’s recommended to practice controlled and efficient strokes, minimizing unnecessary kicking to conserve energy. Another key is alternating between aggressive and defensive swimming based on the surrounding conditions, enabling the swimmer to manage energy reserves while maintaining control over their trajectory.

Barrel Roll: Entering Eddies with Precision

The barrel roll is a specialized technique that swimmers use to enter an eddy from the main current. An eddy is a calm area of water that forms behind obstacles, such as rocks, where the current slows down. Entering an eddy is essential for taking a break from the fast flow or repositioning for the next move.

The barrel roll consists of three stages:

1. Entry: As the swimmer approaches the eddy, they position themselves at a ferry angle, facing slightly toward the eddy’s flow. The swimmer reaches with their right hand into the eddy, using the upstream current in the eddy to grab onto.
2. Rotation: The swimmer uses their right hand to scoop the water, pulling themselves sideways. Simultaneously, the left hand moves to the swimmer’s right side, causing a rotation that directs the swimmer into the eddy. During this rotation, the swimmer switches to a prone position (belly-down) for more effective entry.
3. Recovery: Once inside the eddy, the swimmer returns to defensive swimming to assess their next move. If necessary, another barrel roll can be performed to fully settle into the calm area.

This maneuver is crucial for gaining a safe resting point during a rescue. However, it requires practice to execute smoothly, as improper timing or angle can result in missing the eddy or being caught in the stronger current. Regular drills in varying water conditions can help improve proficiency in this technique.

Back Ferry: Controlled Movement Across Currents

The back ferry is a fundamental technique in both swiftwater swimming and boating. It allows the swimmer to move laterally across the river while controlling their downstream progression. It’s commonly used in conjunction with defensive swimming, where the swimmer faces upstream and paddles backward at a ferry angle (typically 45 degrees).

This technique creates both horizontal and vertical forces. The vertical force slows down the swimmer’s descent in the current, while the horizontal force moves the swimmer sideways toward their intended target, usually a bank or an eddy. The success of the back ferry depends on the strength of the swimmer’s paddling and the speed of the current. Faster water will require stronger, more deliberate strokes to maintain control.

Back ferrying is highly effective for making calculated movements in challenging environments. However, it demands skillful judgment, as miscalculations in angle or paddling strength can result in being swept off course or into dangerous areas like strainers (obstacles that allow water to flow through but trap larger objects).

To improve accuracy with the back ferry, practice in slower currents before advancing to more turbulent waters. Swimmers should also be mindful of their energy levels, as this technique can become physically demanding over time.

Conclusion: The Balance Between Techniques

Swiftwater rescue is about adaptability. Defensive and aggressive swimming, along with specialized techniques like the barrel roll and back ferry, provide rescuers with the tools they need to navigate the unpredictable challenges of fast-moving water. Understanding when to conserve energy and when to act swiftly can mean the difference between a successful rescue and a potentially dangerous situation.

Newcomers to swiftwater rescue should focus on mastering these techniques in controlled environments before applying them in real-world rescues. Regular practice, coupled with a strong understanding of water dynamics, will ensure that both rescuers and victims can navigate dangerous waters safely.

References

Kaufman, R. (2015). Swiftwater Rescue Packet. McHenry, Maryland: Garrett University.

Walbridge, C., & Sundmacher, W. (1995). Whitewater Rescue Manual – New Techniques for Canoeists, Kayakers, and Rafters. Camden, Maine: Ragged Mountain Press.

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