Never put your feet down when swimming in swiftwater.
Never count on the victim to help in his own rescue.
Never tie a rope around a rescuer.
When tensioning a line across moving water, do so at 45 degrees to the current.
When tensioning a line across moving water, always stand on the upstream side of the rope (and outside any bights or loops in the rope).
Once the victim is contacted, never lose contact.
Given the choice between a fire helmet and no helmet, always go with no helmet.
Always be proactive.
ReThRoG
The anacronym ReThRoG helps to remember the order in which you should consider water rescue options, starting with low risk options and moving to higher risk options.
Reach
Throw
Row
Go
(Helo)
Survival Swimming Tips
On your back.
Feet UP.
Head upstream.
Set your ferry angle (45 degrees to the current).
Back paddle.
Watch for obstacles.
Whistle Signals
Whistle signals are probably the most reliable method for communicating during a river rescue (without standing right next to each other and shouting).
1 short blast=look at me
2 short blasts=upstream
3 short blasts=downstream
1 long blast=HELP
This site is intended to provide continuing education for technical rescuers. It is not a substitute for hands on training with a qualified instructor. If you would like help finding qualified instruction, contact The Professor.
