Tag Archives: advanced swiftwater rescue

Carlson River Boards; An Excellent Rescue Tool

Every year, I have the pleasure of working with the US Border Patrol Swiftwater Rescue Instructors. We concentrate on improving teaching techniques, getting out on the water together, and being sure to all stay on the same page. BORSTAR, like the National Park Service, and may other SAR teams, commonly use river boards as rescue tools and adjuncts. During the above mentioned BORSTAR training, 4 of us were able to execute the rescue of a solo kayaker; cold, lonely, scared, and stranded on the opposite side of a 48 degree river. He was stranded due to a swim at a roadside paddling spot, late in the day, and underestimating both the water temp and the speed of the water. With our river boards, we were able to complete the “rescue” in about 7 minutes. One board for the swimmer, one board to tow the kayak, one board to keep an eye on things, and one board to retrieve the paddle. Within minutes, he was warming up in his car, and his kayak was secured back on his roof.

The beauties of the Carlson River Board include the quick learning curve, the soft surface, the 160 pounds of flotation, the extra handles, and the durability. It is quick and easy to deploy, and makes a great access tool, if even just to gain a better understanding of the circumstances, or have a conversation with the person in distress. We incorporate river boards into every Water course we do for Agencies, including the SRT and SRT-A, to be sure folks that have consistent swiftwater in their jurisdictions recognize this valuable resource is available.

So; why are they not in EVERY Swiftwater Rescue cache? Here are a couple misunderstanding about the boards.

REASON 1: FINS ARE EVERYTHING! The absolute worst thing that happened to the use of river boards was the so called: SAR fin. Success on a riverboard is all about having a fin that gives both power and steerage. The SAR fin provides NEITHER! Unless you are a lifeguard who can paddle or kick with any hindrance, the SAR fin is just a sea anchor in the water. Normal people like myself, cannot go ANYWHERE with those fins on. The SAR fins are commonly used within Rescue Agencies because they “fit” over a boot, and then the riverboard gets the bad name! I hear comments like “riverboarding sucks” or “ I can’t get anywhere on the board” almost EXLCUSIVELY from folks that are using these fins. Take off your work boots, put on some hard soled booties, and some Churchill Fins (or equivalent) and your experience will completely change!

REASON 2: IT IS AN ADVANCED TECHNICIAN LEVEL SKILL: Yes, it is a water skill. It is a craft that can be used to accomplish NFPA 1670 2017 17.3.3, which requires a technician to perform a swiftwater rescue from a rescue platform. You must have the ability to self- rescue, and train with it as any other tool we have in our rescue cache. Learning to control and use a riverboard effectively can be much more practical, useful and achievable than gaining the extensive skill necessary to control a boat. It is a craft that is best operated “un-tethered”. Rope drag in the water only makes it more difficult to navigate. Most rescues should be done rope free. With proper training, and a thorough knowledge of what is downstream, the river board is easy to paddle out, extend as an adjunct, and kick on the board with the victim, or kick back to shore towing the victim. It is a tool that is best used in its “simplest” form. This is not to say it cannot be tethered, and used to pendulum someone off of a car, or mid channel obstacle; but access is most likely best accomplished without the use of a rope.

Riverboards provide versatile access.

I also have the pleasure of working with the Yosemite SAR Rangers each year. Many of their “rescues” are simple “assists” due to the almost exclusive use of river boards when it is safe to access. The great thing about a river board is that it can be deployed from almost anywhere. No boat ramps needed! Almost all of the actual rescues I have been involved in over the past few years have also involved using a river board. From assisting non-swimmers back to shore who have fallen out of an inner tube, or commercial raft, to accessing an island with someone stuck in a strainer. These have all been simple assists due to the efficiency and effectiveness of the river board.

You don’t hear much about river board rescues because by the time someone shows up with a camera, or a go-pro, the rescue is complete! ~Julie Munger

Swiftwater Rescue in Redwood National Park

As instructors of swiftwater rescue, we have the opportunity to train in some amazing environments with some very talented groups of people. From military special forces to recreational boaters, swiftwater rescue is applicable to a diverse cross section of the population. The National Park Service continues to be one of our favorite groups to work with. We have taught swiftwater rescue and whitewater rescue with the National Park Service in locations such as Grand Canyon, Grad Teton, Yosemite, Big Bend, Lassen, and Olympic national parks. Recently we had a training on the Smith River with Park Rangers in Redwood National Park. In the northern California park, some rangers lead scenic floats through the redwood groves, while others respond to distress calls on the river. Several Rivers crisscross through the park and they attract lots of attention from park visitors.

photo courtesy of Del Norte Triplicate / Bryan Anderson

The Del Norte Triplicate sent reporters to attend parts of course. After training and practice with some rescue techniques, instructors challenged the rangers with realistic water rescue scenarios. It’s always a learning experience says Sierra Rescue instructor Zach Byars, “even when the rescue goes wrong, there’s a lot to be learned. Thats why its called training.” The students made good progress throughout the course and left better prepared for water incidents that may happen in the future.

For more information on the Smith River training visit http://www.triplicate.com/News/Local-News/Learning-the-Ropes-Swift-water-rescue-training to read the full write-up.

swiftwater entry by Sierra Rescue instructor Zach Byars with Redwood National Park river rescue training

photo courtesy of Del Norte Triplicate / Bryan Anderson

Swiftwater Entry: Swim Smarter not Harder

A swiftwater entry doesn’t have to be graceful, it just has to gets the job done. A good swiftwater entry can make or break your swiftwater swim. Part superman, part belly flop, it involves extending yourself into the current and can give you the jump start you need to make your target. In our swiftwater rescue courses we tell students that its much easier to swim through air than it is in current. Though none of us is able to fly, the swiftwater entry maximizes your start, and minimizes the time you have to fight the force of the water. In essence, you hit the ground running, or in this case swimming. Start as low to the water surface as possible and jump out not up, making sure to keep you head up, not down like a dive. The higher above the water level you start the deeper you will drop upon entry, and the less propulsion your jump will provide.

Before any entry into swiftwater ensure proper PPE and set safety downstream. A thorough size-up of the water environment and the potential hazards is critical when considering to put personnel in the water. With practice and training, a good swiftwater entry can give you a leg up in challenging swiftwater swims.

Swiftwater and Flood Rescue Training for El Nino

BORSTAR Commanders training together with RDC, River Boards, and Rafts

As we head into the potential of an El Nino year, our Sierra Rescue classes are filling up with Lifeguards, Fire Fighters, and many Government employees being sure they are as prepared as possible for the hazards that an El Nino year may bring with it. Our Swiftwater and Flood Rescue courses teach such skills as self rescue, hazard assessment, flood search and rescue, vehicle rescue from floods, and other useful skills to review for the rescuers involved. With the current low flows, it takes creativity to help rescuers prepare for floods and rivers that soon may not be safely accessible for the rescuers at all.

Self Rescue practice in Swiftwater Rescue Training

Besides Swiftwater and Flood Rescue Advanced training, Surface Water Rescue is an important component to being ready for more water in the West. Lakes, ponds, and inland waterways become inundated with water, and knowing how to safely use adjuncts, effective search techniques, and having exposure to the rescue tools available can great increase the “tool box” for the rescuer.

Surface Water Rescue Training with a rescue board

CPR, First Aid, and even Wilderness First Aid skills become essential for assisting once the rescue is complete. The more members of the public that are trained to recognize the hazards associated with immersion, submersion, and hypothermia, the more help there will be, and the better chance that more people will be able to prevent further complications once someone is safely on shore.

CPR, First Aid and Wilderness First Aid training along the banks of a river in winter.

Due to the PET ACT passed by Congress after Hurricane Katrina, more technical animal rescue training has become available for rescuers. Floods and high water years can cause sink holes in some areas of the Country, and a higher exposure for horses, cattle, and other large animals to get stuck in the mud. Great tools are now available to help with relieving suction as well as getting a wide harness around an animal. Also, due to the PET Act, rescuers are much better prepared to bring along all the family pets.

Technical Large Animal Rescue training in the mud.

Motorized boats become a great tool for accessing folks after the initial phase of flooding is over, and the speed of the water settles into a safely navigable waterway. There are many Flood Rescue Boat Operators that are updating their skills, and preparing their boats for quick deployment.

Hawaii Swiftwater Rescue Course

Don Lester, an Instructor Trainer for Sierra Rescue and Rescue 3 International, is currently teaching an SRT Unit 1, and SRTA and a Water Instructor Course.

Swiftwater Training and Swiftwater Instructing in HI

Swiftwater Rescue and Swiftwater Rescue Instructor Course, Hilo, HI

Although we are experiencing low water flows in California, Hilo, Hawaii is expecting a Category 2 storm tomorrow. Upon checking in with Instructor Trainer , Don Lester yesterday, I could hear the rain pouring down on the other side of the line. This is an amazing opportunity for Hilo and Kona Firefighters to train in realistic conditions. Don is introducing them to Kokatat PFD’s, as well. Hopefully, any rescues they may need to do during the course are easy access rescues necessary because the helicopters can not fly. Folks have been warned as a precaution, and all seem to be taking the warnings to heart, and staying away from the flooded and swollen streams.

Swiftwater and Technical Rope Rescue combined training

New Instructors: The 2014 Rescue 3 Instructor Course

Group shot from the 2014 instructor course.

Recap of the 2014 Instructor Course

Another successful instructor course complete. This year’s course was located on the lower Stanislaus river in Knights Ferry, CA. Thanks to the fish, flows were bumped up to an impressive 1200 cfs. At that level the training site at Russian rapid really becomes ideal. It provides great locations for shallow water access and entrapments and lower down, facilities swimming and throwbagging.

The highlight is the 200′ tension diagonal through the middle of the rapid. The course involved 5 days of water-focused training to get these instructor candidates up to speed. This is what co-owner Julie Munger had to say about the 7 guys that just completed the instructor course:

2014 instructor course group photo. congrats!

“WOW! What GREAT Instructors! Dave and Jeff from Wet Planet, Bhupi from INDIA!, Chris and Justin from Brea and Fullerton Fire, James from Adventures Unlimited in Colorado, Jeremiah from ZODIAC, Britt from ROW in Northern Idaho. Don Lester and I had the pleasure of joining these amazing guys!”

Britt surfing the boat on tether.

These guys are to be commended; the instructor path is no easy task. The prerequisites are a hefty undertaking themselves and mastery of the skills taught in the SRT, SRT-A, WRT, RRC, and RRC-Pro is not light work. These guys proved their diligence and focus and combined to make an awesome course. Good luck out there gentlemen.

Rescue 3 International Instructor Trainer Meeting

RQ3 group, rescue 3 international, rescue,

the group after the competition.

Another successful Rescue 3 international IT meeting down. A few weeks ago, Rescue 3 instructors from the U.S. and abroad gathered at the Nantahala Outdoor Center for a week of classes, networking, and curriculum development. The folks at the NOC provided a great atmosphere for the meeting. It sure was fun and informative to have all that knowledge gathered in one place. This years conference had a rescue relay competition and team Sierra Rescue blew the competition out of the water. Participants had to move through a challenge course consisting of shallow water crossing, throwbagging, boat flip management, and swimming.

Like the conferences of past years, several instructors made presentations, and awards were given out by Rescue 3. Many participants brought good information and questions to the table. The collaboration of instructors from across the world led to a discussion as to the future of the world of rescue, and how Rescue 3 fits into that future.

Rescue Competition from the 2014 Rescue 3 international conference

Next year the conference will return to Northern California to the home turf of Rescue 3 and the regional training provider Rescue 3 West. Classes will be held up on the South fork of the American river and on Lake Folsom. A variety of courses will be offered ranging from Inland rescue swimmer to Techinical rope rescue. Aside from the courses, the team competitions will be a highlight. At Seirra rescue, we’re hoping to step up the level of competition for the 2015 ‘rescue olympics.’

See ya there!

Grand Adventure: Riverboarding the Colorado

Riverboarding isn’t all hard work…

Our riverboard trip this year was a combination of past participants, friends, and parts of one of the oldest river running families running in Grand Canyon, the Smiths’. Michael Bronstein Smith grew up as part of a river family, and swamped occasionally for his cousin, Latimer. Mike motivated the friends he played water polo with in College, a few of their friends, and his Mom and Dad to join the trip.

The fitness level of all the participants made it possible to have an active, fun, adventure filled trip. We did long hikes almost every day, and ran all the big lines that the Canyon has to offer. The incredible thing about riverboarding is the learning curve for folks that are fit, and comfortable in the water. Learning to read little features in the river, identify obstacles, and run really big waves comes quickly and easily to folks with a commitment. By the time we ran the gorge, making it to the “duck pond” at Hance, hitting the waves in Sockdolager, and choosing lines through Horn Creek and Crystal were done by individuals on their own. With the amazing professionalism of Harlan Taney as the safety kayaker, Abigail and I were able to keep folks on line and in the fun water. With a little direction, everyone was able to stay on line in Lava Falls, and have a great time.

The most amazing part about riverboarding is the ability to truly feel the river is such an intimate way. There is no rubber or plastic separating you from feeling the swirl of the eddies and the action of the waves. In my opinion, it not only creates a more intimate way to share the river, but also a deeper bond with the other folks in the water.

It is still such a unique experience that so few people have had the opportunity to try. It has the aura of a “radical” or “extreme” sport; but it is truly most suited for big Class 3-4 rivers like the Colorado. As a Swiftwater Rescue Instructor for the past 25 years, I also truly believe that for a fit person, it is one of, if not the, safest ways to enjoy the river. The riverboards have 160 pounds of flotation, and there is no gear! Only you, your friends, and the river. With a full wetsuit, helmet and PFD, the protection is complete.

Riverboarding Lava Falls

As with any Grand Canyon trip, the stories and friendships will last for a lifetime. Thank you fellow riverboarders for being adventurous enough to take the plunge in a unique and wonderful way!

Swiftwater Hazards: Strainer Face

Strainer Face: Up Close and Personal

This past spring our strainer swim self-rescue drill (aptly named ‘Strainer Face’) became a prominent feature in our social media and photo posting. For those of you that have been on the upstream side of the log in the training you can speak from experience. For those of you that haven’t, “a picture is worth a thousand words.” #strainerface gets lots of hype and from a teaching standpoint, is a great way to demonstrate the power of water and the extreme danger strainers present to the unsuspecting swimmer. Avoid anything that acts like a strainer at all costs, and know where the potential strainers locations are on the rivers you run. Here are some standout Strainer Face photos. We have several more albums up on our facebook page and you can come participate in the strainer drill by taking one of our many swiftwater rescue courses. We’d love to see you out there. -ZB 7/2014

We hope you enjoyed the above Strainer Face photos. Strainer Face strives to capture the impact moment of the swimmer and the log and the expression that accompanies that precise moment. Strainer Face is typically captured during the first phase of the strainer drill where students float into the strainer in a feet-first defensive position letting their legs sweep under the strainer. From there they attempt to get up and over the strainer. This segment usually provides exceptional photos of anguish and grimace while the student gives all he or she has to try and defeat the strainer. It truly is and eye-oppening experience. See you on the water!

NEW!! River Rescue Certification for the Professional

What is the River Rescue Certification-Pro (RRC-Pro)?

RRC-Pro: An Internationally recognized water rescue certification that is written for Professional BOATERS, by Professional BOATERS. It is a fast paced, scenario based rescue course designed to develop the ability to choose good actions when a river rescue is necessary. This curriculum is for river guides and kayakers that spend a good portion of their lives on the river in a professional capacity, and therefore have a solid base of boating and basic rescue skills already. This energetic, and physical curriculum will be challenging and focused on quick reaction time with a thorough understanding of options and resources. The rescue skills testing component will emphasize knowing your own limits, skill level, knowledge of basic rope skills and the ability to execute a rescue as part of a team. The challenges of responding at night are highlighted in the night op. The task book at the end lays out easy ways to keep your water rescue certification current with continuing education and testing day options. This three day, intensive and comprehensive course takes professional rescue certification for the professional boater to a whole new level.

How does it differ from the River Rescue Certification?

RRC: A DYNAMIC water rescue course specifically written and designed for private boaters,

kayakers and non-profit organizations! Basic river skills are a prerequisite! Emphasis is on identifying hazards and on RESCUE itself; both of self and others. Thinking through rescues is also emphasized. This is the class you want as a boater to stay safe and know what to do if something goes wrong. Although this course meets agency Swiftwater Rescue certification requirements for river guides and kayakers; its pace allows for thorough integration of knowledge and practice of the skills that matter. The two day format makes the course more affordable and accessible. This course should be a prerequisite to anyone boating on any river anywhere! The course addresses the river rescue needs of rafters, cat boaters, kayakers, pack rafters, canoeists, riverboarders and SUP paddlers.

Who:

This curriculum is owned and developed by Sierra Rescue and is also certified and accredited by Rescue 3 International. While Sierra Rescue writes and updates the workbook, all Instructors contribute to its writing and maintenance.

Mission:

To provide a professional river rescue certification program that is engaging, exciting, challenging, fun and affordable for all participants, with a strong emphasis on safety and prevention of accidents; as well as appropriate response to a whitewater rescue emergency.

To be the best river rescue certification course available to professional river guides and kayakers world wide.

How:

All Instructors are well respected river professionals, as well as certified Rescue 3 International Water Instructors. The background in working with Agencies will assist in the interaction between the river rescuers on scene and the Agency personnel that may be needed to assist if medical attention is needed, or the river runners are unsuccessful in the rescue.

What is different from the RRC?

• The pace and intensity of the exercises. Everything in this rescue class will be designed to challenge folks that spend a good percentage of their time on the river. The physical exertion in the class will be much higher.

• Three days instead of Two days

• The addition of a night operation. It is important for river professionals on overnight trips to be able to respond in the dark. Understanding the challenges, and how to organize for success is critical, as well as knowing what extra items need to be on hand. This evolution may be a search, a swim, or both. It will be up to the Instructor based on the location of the rescue course, the weather, and the river flows.

• The addition of skills and performance evaluation. The objective here is to gain an assessment of a students ability to actually “perform” rescue skills. These include good access and assessment skills, as well as the ability to stabilize a scene and evacuate a patient. Emphasis is on both the actual skill set, and the students ability to know their own strengths and weaknesses; as this is what will be crucial in a water rescue.

This section will include swimming, self rescue into a boat, throw bagging, basic rope skills and the ability to operate as part of a team.

• The addition of a task book for re-certification and continuing education. The addition of the task book allows for constant re-certification through a variety of options including some on-line training, workshops, and yearly one day updates and refreshers. This will be very clearly defined in the rescue course and in the back of the workbook.

Who teaches it?

The Instructor requirements are extremely tough and require many years experience in both commercial and private boating, as well as professional rescue instruction. The following organizations are currently the only authorized providers:

Sierra Rescue – California, Nevada, Arizona: Julie Munger, Abigail Polsby, Don Lester and Zach Byars

Great Northern – Montana: Carl Motes-Connors

Mad River Boat Trips – Wyoming: KC Bess

Cascade Raft and Kayak – Idaho: Tren Long