Level 4: Swiftwater Rescue

Article Index

Page 5 of 8

Pins	Stabilization, snag, and cinch lines
Avoid getting pinned or entrapped by recognizing hazards	Upstream and downstream safety is essential
Pin mechanics	Consider what happens when the victim is freed; consider pre-set live bait
Balance between gravity, friction, and force of water	Fundamental tool for entrapment and pin rescues
Types of pins	Stabilization line
Vertical, center broach, end to end, pinch pin, flat pin	Supports trapped victim
Release by unbalancing forces	Set a sharp downstream pointing V in the line for optimal support
Tag line on boat for recovery after release	Line ideally should be under armpits and support victim in heads up position
Consider what happens when the boat releases	Very effective, with documented saves o Very difficult for unresponsive victims – requires some victim cooperation
Stabilization line to support trapped victim	Snag line
Cinch line techniques may be helpful for pinned gear	Line designed to release a foot entrapment
Self rescue	Tensioned and deep
Avoidance, high side to avoid flipping, wiggle off the rock, bail out	May need to be weighted or submerged with a paddle
If all participants are safe, waiting for low water may be a viable option	Cinch lines
Advanced techniques	Designed to wrap about victim and maintain control
Hull wraps/Steve Thomas rope trick with slippery clove hitch	Takes more time and practice
Raft tacos	Victim is at higher risk, but also is more secure
Entrapment	Very useful for pinned gear
High risk; hands-on rescue places rescuers near the entrapping object	Simple cinch – open and closed
Most commonly foot entrapments, strainers, or trapped in a boat	Lasso loop cinch
Avoid by hazard recognition, appropriate swimming techniques, and appropriate outfitting	Kiwi stabilization line/cinch
Extrication often requires hands on contact by a rescuer (e.g., two+ person wading techniques, live bait)
Keep victim heads up with stabilization line
Snag line to release foot entrapments
Cinch line to secure victim

Level 4: Swiftwater Rescue

Article Index

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