Rescue from Land: Water Rescue – Safely rescue victims from rivers, lakes, and seas using throw bags, ladders, and tension diagonals.

This document describes methods for rescuing victims from water bodies such as lakes, rivers, and seas without entering the water, ensuring a relatively safe rescue process.

Throw Bag

A throw bag is a tool used to rescue victims swept away in rivers or along water bodies by throwing a rope towards them.

How to Use:

1. Stand directly facing the victim and throw the bag underhand towards them.
2. Have the victim grab the rope.
3. Carefully pull the rope, ensuring you are not dragged into the water. The flow of the river will help bring the victim closer to the shore like a pendulum.

Ladder

When a throw bag is not available or when there is a height difference between land and water, using a ladder is effective.

Benefits:

• Easier to grip than a rope and less risk of falling.
• Easier for the rescuer to pull the victim to land.

Limitations:

• Limited length, with a maximum reach of about 8 meters for a triple-extension ladder.

Types of Ladders:

• Hook Ladder: Total length of 3 meters.
• Triple-Extension Ladder: Total length of 8.7 meters.

How to Use a Triple-Extension Ladder:

1. Extend the ladder and, if available, attach a life ring to the ladder’s tip.
2. Tie two ropes to the ladder’s tip and lift the ladder.
3. Secure the ladder with three people at the base, tying ropes as needed.
4. Gradually lower the ladder towards the victim, allowing them to grab it.
5. Once the victim has a firm grip, the rescuer on the upstream side releases their rope, while the rescuer on the downstream side gradually pulls the ladder towards land.
6. The rescuer at the base gradually loosens the rope to prevent the ladder from being swept away.
7. Once the victim is close to shore, pull the ladder and victim to land.

Tension Diagonal

How to Use:

1. Set up a rope diagonally across the river (approximately at a 45-degree angle).
2. The diagonal setup allows the victim to move towards the shore along the rope.

Incorrect Method:

• Setting the rope perpendicular to the river can trap the victim in the middle of the river, making it difficult for them to escape.

Reference page: Learn essential swift water rescue techniques like swimming rope rescue, simple rope tether, live bait rescue, and V-lower. Discover step-by-step training scenarios, key safety tips, and expert guidance to master water rescue operations.

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