Swift water rescue using swimming rope rescue involves rescuers actively swimming or wading to reach and assist the victim.

Table of Contents

• Simple Rope Tether
• Live Bait Rescue
• V-Lower
• Related Posts

Simple Rope Tether

The simple rope tether technique allows for fast and efficient rescue with minimal setup. Rescuers can use a belay line for stability. In solo rescues using a paddle, the paddle itself adds stability. In a two-person rescue, the second person provides additional support.

In this method, a belayer on shore helps stabilize the rescuer. Rocks, trees, or other sturdy objects can serve as belay points. The rescuer can use the rope like a pendulum to swing toward the victim, providing secure movement toward the target.

Live Bait Rescue

The live bait rescue technique is designed to retrieve an unconscious victim.

Training Scenarios

Scene #1: Victim’s Entry into Water
The victim enters the water from upstream using a “swift water entry” technique, which involves placing hands in front of the face and entering the water in a shallow, prone position. The victim floats downstream, assuming they are unconscious and unable to self-rescue.

Scene #2: Rescuer’s Entry into Water
The rescuer attaches a floating rope to the quick-release clip on their personal flotation device (PFD). This allows the rescuer to release themselves from the rope if necessary. They then perform a swift water entry and swim toward the victim. The belayer on shore provides rope with minimal resistance to ease the rescuer’s movement. If needed, they can release more rope downstream to reduce drag.

Scene #3: Grasping the Victim
The rescuer grips the victim’s shoulder straps on their life jacket with both hands. If the victim is conscious, splashing water on their face may temporarily distract them, allowing the rescuer to secure their hold. With the victim firmly held, the belayer onshore, or additional assistants, can pull both rescuer and victim to shore in a pendulum motion.

Scene #4: Pulling Ashore
The onshore team helps bring the rescuer and victim to safety. Ideally, they use a “sitting belay” to maximize control, making it easier to pull the swimmer to shore. If needed, a second rescuer can back up the primary belayer to reduce the load on the line. Balancing the load on the belayer and rescuers can lessen the strain on everyone involved.

V-Lower

The V-Lower method enables a controlled descent of the rescuer to reach a victim in a river. One or more belayers are positioned on each riverbank, stretching one or more ropes across the river. Rocks in the river can also serve as belay points, helping the belayers to position the rescuer in the waterway.

The setup should consider the “120-degree rule” to reduce the belayer’s burden. The line should be attached to the rescuer’s PFD quick-release clip, using locking carabiners to handle the load safely. Avoid attaching the line directly to the rescuer or linking carabiners together.

Rescuers use hand signals for effective communication:

• Pointing Right: The right-side belayer tightens the line, and the left-side belayer releases.
• Pointing Downstream: Both belayers release the line.
• Pointing Upstream: Both belayers tighten the line.

During V-Lower practice, rescuers move side-to-side and up and down the current. Arching their backs helps the body rise above the water surface for easier maneuvering, while curling into the current tends to cause the rescuer to submerge. Practicing these movements provides valuable experience in maintaining control in swift currents.

Shore-Based Rope Rescue

Shore-based rope rescue involves rescuers remaining on the shore, using shoreline rocks or other structures to assist with the operation. This approach does not require swimming or wading. Instead, stability and safety are maintained from a distance, ensuring the rescuers avoid unnecessary water entry.

References

• Kaufman, R. (2015). Swift Water Rescue Packet. McHenry, Maryland: Garrett College.
• Smith, B., & Padgett, A. (1996). On Rope – Vertical Rope Techniques in North America. Huntsville, Alabama: National Speleological Society, Inc.
• Walbridge, C., & Sundmacher, W. (1995). Whitewater Rescue Manual – New Techniques for Canoeists, Kayakers, and Rafters. Camden, Maine: Ragged Mountain Press.

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