River Rescue Swimming:
What to Know Before You Go!
Solid swimming skills in moving water are
essential for the swiftwater rescue technician. One general guideline WRI
Instructors emphasize is that rescuers should choose the lowest risk rescue
option available to access a victim.
Many potential rescuers have gotten in
trouble by jumping in moving water instead of considering their lower risk
options first. Why risk it when you might be able to coach someone to self-rescue,
reach, throw, or row and tow? River
emergencies are dynamic and can require would be rescuers to make a split
second life and death decision when there is no time, proper equipment, safety
or back-up plan. Having said this, many times the simplest, most efficient
rescue option requires us to get in the water and swim.
