Swiftwater Rescue II. Introduction Swiftwater search and rescue operations are manpower intensive. Objects in water have the potential to move great distances.

SwiftwaterSwiftwaterRescue Rescue IIII

IntroductionIntroduction

Swiftwater search and rescue operations are manpower intensive. Objects in water have the potential to move great distances and search

areas may become quite large in a short period of time.

Moving water is most effectively searched by teams appropriately

trained in swiftwater rescue that can function in or out of the water.

Land-based teams provide additional manpower by filling positions not

requiring in-water skills.

Trained swiftwater personnel...

Although rescuers trained for in-water Although rescuers trained for in-water operations can cover large distances quickly, operations can cover large distances quickly, they are usually limited by number and are often they are usually limited by number and are often required to function using technical equipment required to function using technical equipment and painstaking search techniques.and painstaking search techniques.

Swiftwater Rescue II will expand upon the Swiftwater Rescue II will expand upon the skills learned during SWR I and focus on the skills learned during SWR I and focus on the resource effectiveness of swiftwater teams resource effectiveness of swiftwater teams

working in moving water environments, be it working in moving water environments, be it flood operations, canal searches or river flood operations, canal searches or river

rescue. rescue.

It will also emphasize the importance of It will also emphasize the importance of training and utilizing shore-based personnel training and utilizing shore-based personnel to assist with search, rescue and recovery to assist with search, rescue and recovery

operations.operations.

Lesson 1:Lesson 1:Characteristics Characteristics of Moving of Moving Water Water

PowerfulRelentlessPredictable

Site reference

River Center

RiverRight

RiverLeft

Upstream

Downstream

Cu

rren

tFour river references relate to facing downstream

River CenterRiver Center

River RightRiver Right

River LeftRiver Left

UpstreamUpstream

DownstreamDownstream

Current

References remain the same even when the perspective is reversed

Site reference

Water dynamicstwo general categories of

moving water...

Laminar flowLaminar flow Layers of moving waterLayers of moving water

Helical flowHelical flowCircular flow of water along the Circular flow of water along the

bank, forcing water to midstreambank, forcing water to midstream

Laminar flow

Outside Bend

Straight Section

Fastest

FastSlow

Slowest

Fastest

FastSlow

Slowest

Helical & Laminar flow

Laminar Flow

Helical Flow

Water dynamics Water is fastest…Water is fastest…

at the surface and midstream at the surface and midstream

Water slows down…Water slows down…along banks and bottomalong banks and bottom

Water is faster…Water is faster…at the outside of bends and slower at the outside of bends and slower on the inside of bendson the inside of bends

Water slows down and deepens…Water slows down and deepens…in front of dams and otherin front of dams and otherobstructionsobstructions

Summary

Understanding the dynamics of Understanding the dynamics of moving water enables the rescuer to moving water enables the rescuer to function safely and effectively during function safely and effectively during rescue and recovery operations.rescue and recovery operations.

Lesson 2:Lesson 2:The Human The Human Body in WaterBody in Water

Separating fact from Separating fact from fiction...fiction...

Body weight in water

Sex Surface Depth LessWeight Than 40 Feet

Male 150-170 lbs 9-15 lbs

Male 180-200 lbs 7-11 lbs

Female 110-140 lbs 8-15 lbs

Children 40-70 lbs 4-8 lbs

Drowning victim’s sex & size vs. weight in water*

*From Encyclopedia of Underwater Investigations; 1994, by Cpl. Robert G. Teather, RCMP

Bodies of adult drowning victims weigh between 7 and 16 pounds underwater

In still water, the weight of a body will cause it to settle in a near vertical

drop to the bottom

Fact...Fact...

Since current moves faster at the surface and slower along the bottom, a body will drop through the layers of laminar flow as it is transported downstream and deposited on the bottom.

In moving water...

Faster

Slower

The distance downstream depends on the velocity of the laminar flow

Adult drowning victims submerged in moving water tend to resist lateral movement in currents less than 1.5 mph

Fact...Fact...

A body will be swept downstream in any current

Fiction...Fiction...

SurfaceVelocity

Time for float to travel 100 feet

Velocity: measured in feet per second

Seconds Currentft. per sec. M.P.H. Knots

5.00 20.00 13.60 12.00

10.00 10.00 6.80 6.00

15.00 6.70 4.56 4.00

20.00 5.00 3.40 3.00

25.00 4.00 2.72 2.40

50.00 2.00 1.36 1.20

100.00 1.00 0.68 0.60

Speed

Throw a floating Throw a floating object (e.g. stick) in object (e.g. stick) in the water and the water and record the time it record the time it takes to travel 100 takes to travel 100 feetfeet

When a drowning occurs in an area of white water, the body will probably

continue to move with the current until it becomes lodged or the current slows

and allows the body to settle

Fact...Fact...

Body type and clothing... Lighter, less resistant body types will be more Lighter, less resistant body types will be more

easily transported easily transported

Amount of body fat and air trapped in clothing will Amount of body fat and air trapped in clothing will contribute to buoyancycontribute to buoyancy

Depending on body type and clothing, some Depending on body type and clothing, some infants and small children may never sinkinfants and small children may never sink

Clothing may increase the potential to snag and Clothing may increase the potential to snag and hold a victim stationary in a strong currenthold a victim stationary in a strong current

Clothing usually adds little to the Clothing usually adds little to the weight of the victim under water but weight of the victim under water but may affect buoyancy and drag.may affect buoyancy and drag.

Dispelling the “Sack of Potatoes” myth...

Object must have the same shape Object must have the same shape and physical propertiesand physical properties

Must be of same volume and Must be of same volume and weightweight

Must have same buoyancyMust have same buoyancy

Must have same drag from Must have same drag from clothingclothing

Must be trackableMust be trackable

““Throw a sack in the Throw a sack in the water and it will end water and it will end up in the same place up in the same place

as the victim.”as the victim.”

Fact:

The phenomenon of body refloat...

Once decomposition begins the process Once decomposition begins the process of gas formation in the victim’s body, of gas formation in the victim’s body,

buoyancy can change drastically buoyancy can change drastically

Unless the victim is snagged or wedged, gas formation may eventually allow the body to raise to the surface

where it could be transported downstream by the faster moving

surface current

Fact...Fact...

TimeTime

TemperatureTemperature

DepthDepth

Victim Victim considerations...considerations...

Physiology of body Physiology of body refloatrefloat

Victim considerationsVictim considerations Body typeBody type

DietDiet

ClothingClothing

TraumaTrauma(pre and post immersion)(pre and post immersion)

Not all bodies will refloat!Not all bodies will refloat!Under certain conditions, a body may remain snagged, trapped in a strainer,

held in a water hydraulic or become covered with silt and stay undetected

for years

SummaryUnderstanding the physical properties of the human body as it pertains to the water environment allows the rescue team to undertake an accurate scene evaluation.

Lesson 3:Lesson 3:

Safety Safety ConsiderationsConsiderations

The search of moving water is at best difficult and challenging. Such activities present great obstacles for swiftwater rescue teams and often expose searchers to the threat of personal injury or death.

Safe and effective search operations near moving water depend on proper... PreparationPreparation

TrainingTraining

Equipment.Equipment.

Hazards include... Water hydraulicsWater hydraulics

StrainersStrainers(barb wire, tree limbs, log jams, debris)(barb wire, tree limbs, log jams, debris)

Slippery, unsure footingSlippery, unsure footing

TopographyTopography(access, cliff faces, drop-offs)(access, cliff faces, drop-offs)

Manmade obstructionsManmade obstructions(dams, bridges, debris)(dams, bridges, debris)

Cold waterCold water

Associated risks include...

DrowningDrowning

EntrapmentEntrapment

Hypothermia Hypothermia

Blunt traumaBlunt trauma

Cuts and lacerationsCuts and lacerations

The safety of all personnel must always be the highest priority!

Public safety teams that are untrained and ill-equipped to handle water-

related emergencies, expose themselves to untold risks.

Firefighters, law enforcement officers and members of the search and rescue

community can all become victims during search and rescue events.

Always consider the Risk/BenefitRisk/Benefit

Analysis of every operation!

Only personnel appropriately trained Only personnel appropriately trained in swiftwater rescue should enter the in swiftwater rescue should enter the water to recover any objectwater to recover any object

Have preplan in place for appropriate Have preplan in place for appropriate action prior to object locationaction prior to object location

The role of search teams is to facilitate clue location...

Swiftwater rescue technicians may be Swiftwater rescue technicians may be required to safely retrieve objects from required to safely retrieve objects from dangerous currentsdangerous currents

There is safety in numbers Never search alone; search teams should Never search alone; search teams should

consist of three or more person/teamsconsist of three or more person/teams

Searchers should have knowledge of Searchers should have knowledge of self-rescue and victim-rescue techniques self-rescue and victim-rescue techniques

Exercise caution, continually re-evaluate Exercise caution, continually re-evaluate the Risk/Benefit Analysis and be prepared the Risk/Benefit Analysis and be prepared to assist teammates in an emergencyto assist teammates in an emergency

Be properly equippedBe properly equipped

Shored-based Shored-based Personal Protective Personal Protective EquipmentEquipment PFD PFD

with whistle & knifewith whistle & knife Environmental Environmental

protectionprotection Gloves and bootsGloves and boots Throwline bagsThrowline bags Helmet.Helmet.

Thermal protectionThermal protection PFD PFD

with knife & whistlewith knife & whistle HelmetHelmet Swiftwater rescue Swiftwater rescue

boardboard Hand & foot Hand & foot

protectionprotection Fins/mask/snorkelFins/mask/snorkel Throwline bagsThrowline bags

Water-based PPE for swiftwater rescue

Swiftwater team equipment Throwline bagsThrowline bags Line gunLine gun Tag line buoyTag line buoy Multi-chambered, inflatable boatMulti-chambered, inflatable boat Rope rescue equipment and Rope rescue equipment and

hardwarehardware Communication equipmentCommunication equipment Additional PFDs & helmetsAdditional PFDs & helmets Other specialized Other specialized

equipmentequipment

Search equipment includes...

Probe deviceProbe device

BinocularsBinoculars

Polarized sunglassesPolarized sunglasses

Flagging & permanent markerFlagging & permanent marker

Rope and climbing equipment Rope and climbing equipment

GPS.GPS.

SummaryThere are inherent dangers associated with moving water. Operating in such an environment can prove deadly for victim and rescuer alike. Preparation, proper training and equipment allow rescuers to accurately assess the Risk/Benefit Analysis of every operation.

Lesson 4:Lesson 4:SceneSceneEvaluationEvaluation

The critical stage of search The critical stage of search operationsoperations

Scene evaluation...Scene evaluation...Begins with the initial call Begins with the initial call for assistance but continues for assistance but continues throughout the entire throughout the entire operational phase of operational phase of the searchthe search

A systematic and objective size-up A systematic and objective size-up or assessment of the incident is or assessment of the incident is particularly crucial at the onset of particularly crucial at the onset of the search the search

Start the process early

A good scene evaluation identifies... Incident typeIncident type

Location and accessLocation and access

Time of occurrenceTime of occurrence

Environmental conditionsEnvironmental conditions

Resource needsResource needs

Witness identificationWitness identification

Ability to control water volumeAbility to control water volume

The primary operational The primary operational objective is to establish aobjective is to establish a

“Last Seen Point”“Last Seen Point”

Determining the Last Seen Point (LSP)...

Physical evidencePhysical evidence

Witness interviewsWitness interviews

Reference objects vs. Reference objects vs. reference pointsreference points

Knowledge & Knowledge & experience as SWRexperience as SWRscene evaluatorscene evaluator

Witness interviewThe witness interview is perhaps The witness interview is perhaps the most critical component of a the most critical component of a scene evaluation and is essential scene evaluation and is essential for determining the LSPfor determining the LSP

Actual LSP

Actual LSP

Initial LSP

Initial LSPNever underestimate Never underestimate the importance of the importance of establishing an establishing an accurate LSPaccurate LSP

A nine-year-old boy A nine-year-old boy lost his life in this lost his life in this

boulder sieveboulder sieve

Location of Body

View from river right.

View from river left.

Control and organize Control and organize witnesses witnesses

Separate and interview Separate and interview individuallyindividually

Question thoroughly and Question thoroughly and methodicallymethodically

Don’t ask leading questionsDon’t ask leading questions

Go slow, stop & listenGo slow, stop & listen

Qualify witnesses by order Qualify witnesses by order of importance.of importance.

WitnessWitnessinterviewinterview

Physical descriptionPhysical description Clothing type and colorsClothing type and colors Shoe patternShoe pattern Equipment or personal itemsEquipment or personal items Intended plansIntended plans Experience level, etc.Experience level, etc.

Establish a subject profile listing

““Last Known Activity”Last Known Activity”In cases involving an unwitnessed In cases involving an unwitnessed

or poorly witnessed drowning, or poorly witnessed drowning, the last known activity may the last known activity may provide the only clue to the provide the only clue to the location of the bodylocation of the body

And most importantWrite it down!Write it down!

Compile all statements, information and Compile all statements, information and documented clues in a centralized documented clues in a centralized collection pointcollection point

Use this material to develop a scene Use this material to develop a scene sketch for future referencesketch for future reference

Components of scene sketch: LSP- Last Seen PointLSP- Last Seen Point

Location of physical evidenceLocation of physical evidence

Location of witnessesLocation of witnesses

Permanent landmarks used to triangulatePermanent landmarks used to triangulate

Access points (e.g. dock, boat ramp)Access points (e.g. dock, boat ramp)

Current speedCurrent speed

Summary

Developing a thorough scene evaluation and determining an accurate Last Seen Point may be the most important tasks you will perform during the initial stage of any search operation.

Lesson 5:Lesson 5:

Establishing Establishing Operational Operational ObjectivesObjectives

Photo by Lucas Gilman

Search planningIs largely driven by information Is largely driven by information gathered during scene evaluationgathered during scene evaluation

A successful search operation A successful search operation depends on an accurate depends on an accurate assessment of the situation assessment of the situation

Rescue vs. recoverysearch operations

The choice of tactics may vary The choice of tactics may vary during a search, especially in during a search, especially in the initial phasethe initial phase

The operational mode will help The operational mode will help drive the tactical considerations drive the tactical considerations and assist in Risk/Benefit and assist in Risk/Benefit AnalysisAnalysis

Determine the LSPDetermine the LSP

Evaluate the current’s capacity to Evaluate the current’s capacity to move objects downstream move objects downstream

Estimate size of search areaEstimate size of search area

Identify resource needs Identify resource needs

Identify potential hazards for rescuersIdentify potential hazards for rescuers

Define/prioritize high probability areasDefine/prioritize high probability areas

Initial search objectives…

Segment search area as neededSegment search area as needed

Determine effective search Determine effective search methods necessary to methods necessary to thoroughly cover areasthoroughly cover areas

Assign resources according to Assign resources according to skill levelskill level

Perform ongoing evaluationPerform ongoing evaluationof processof process

Ongoing search objectives…

The search should begin The search should begin with an investigation of the with an investigation of the

Last Seen PointLast Seen Point

alwaysalways

Never assume that the body of a Never assume that the body of a missing victim has floated away until missing victim has floated away until

the LSP has been thoroughly the LSP has been thoroughly searchedsearched

Review of drowning characteristics...

Bodies tend to resist current Bodies tend to resist current less than 1.5 mphless than 1.5 mph

The body will generally drop to the The body will generally drop to the bottombottom

Current on the surface is greater than Current on the surface is greater than the bottom currentthe bottom current

Bodies of adult drowning victims Bodies of adult drowning victims generally weigh between 7 and 16 generally weigh between 7 and 16 pounds in waterpounds in water

Identify all high probability areas and concentrate search first in sections where water slows down or where strainers and other objects may

snag victim

Environmental conditions may influence the probability of success

Remember...Remember...

High High probability probability areas areas includeinclude

LSPLSP StrainersStrainers Boulder sievesBoulder sieves Low head damsLow head dams Bridge abutmentsBridge abutments HydraulicsHydraulics

EddiesEddiesHolesHoles

Where water slows down.Where water slows down.ShorelineShorelineSand barsSand barsRiver bendsRiver bends

Strainers

Boulder Boulder sievessieves

Low head Low head damsdams

Bridge abutments

Flow Dynamics

Shorelines

Summary

Understanding water dynamics, body characteristics in water, safety concerns and resource capabilities allows rescuers to determine areas of high probability and establish search priorities.

Lesson 6:Lesson 6:

Search Search TacticsTactics

Search tactics may vary depending on circumstances of the event

Witnessed incident vs. unwitnessed Witnessed incident vs. unwitnessed vs. general missing persons reportvs. general missing persons report

Rescue vs. recoveryRescue vs. recovery

Risk vs. benefit.Risk vs. benefit.

Establish an initial Establish an initial containment area based on containment area based on current speed and time of current speed and time of incidentincident

Initial actions in Initial actions in rescue mode...rescue mode...

Contain and control... Assign hasty teams to search from Assign hasty teams to search from

LSP downstreamLSP downstream

Post containment teams Post containment teams downstream at bridges and other downstream at bridges and other vantage pointsvantage points

Assign additional teams to high Assign additional teams to high probability areasprobability areas

Search banks for possible exit Search banks for possible exit points downstreampoints downstream

Tactical considerations for every rescue team...

Are site conditions too dangerous Are site conditions too dangerous to put anyone in the water?to put anyone in the water?

Are there sufficient resources Are there sufficient resources available to cover the search area available to cover the search area quickly and effectively?quickly and effectively?

Is it possible for searchers to Is it possible for searchers to effectively cover the area?effectively cover the area?

Will more manpower allow greater Will more manpower allow greater coverage in a shorter period of coverage in a shorter period of time?time?

Ongoing concerns... As additional resources arrive, stagger As additional resources arrive, stagger

teams throughout search areateams throughout search area

Assign teams based on experience level Assign teams based on experience level and search prioritiesand search priorities

Establish land-based searchers to assist Establish land-based searchers to assist

swiftwater teams with object retrievalswiftwater teams with object retrieval If available, assign dog teams to work LSPIf available, assign dog teams to work LSP

A slow, careful scan of the river is necessary. Study any irregularities in color, shade or shape of the surface

Study every section from at Study every section from at least two vantage pointsleast two vantage points

The ideal probe is a The ideal probe is a 7-foot, 3/4” 7-foot, 3/4” aluminum pole aluminum pole

Improvise as Improvise as needed to meet the needed to meet the situation at handsituation at hand

Tap and “feel” the Tap and “feel” the bottom with the bottom with the pole pole from the from the downstream sidedownstream side

Probe search...Exercise extreme

caution when working along the shore!

Search shorelinesincluding vegetation along banks.

Search sharp bends or curves in the river and areas of natural entanglement or entrapment using a probe pole

Line searching may be effective where water is shallow and predictable

Whenever possible, Whenever possible, post an post an observerobserver as an as an overseer and additional overseer and additional safetysafety personnel personnel downstream for the in-downstream for the in-water search teamswater search teams

LSP DP 1 DP 2...

Current

Team 1 Team 3 Team 5 Team 7 Team 9

Team 2 Team 4 Team 6 Team 8 Team 10

Suggested team assignments

Swiftwater teams work down from LSP Swiftwater teams work down from LSP and concentrate on areas of high probabilityand concentrate on areas of high probability

In-water TeamsA B C

Hasty search is followed up by a Hasty search is followed up by a controlled, methodical search of the controlled, methodical search of the banks and river hydraulicsbanks and river hydraulics

Rule out Rule out “rest of world“rest of world””

Identify resource needsIdentify resource needs

Ongoing scene evaluationOngoing scene evaluation

Consider trained SAR dogs.Consider trained SAR dogs.

Extended search operations...

Can be an effective resourceCan be an effective resource

Train with dog teams in advance of Train with dog teams in advance of incidents to fully understand their incidents to fully understand their capabilities and limitationscapabilities and limitations

Dog teams

Under certain conditions, the use of dogs in boats may be a tactic used to thoroughly search an isolated area of river.

It may be necessary to establish a transport system to move people and equipment from one side of the river to the other

“Don’t just look for a body, search for clues!”

TracksTracks

Disturbances in vegetationDisturbances in vegetation

Articles of clothingArticles of clothing

EquipmentEquipment

Unfortunately moving water often Unfortunately moving water often appears as a confusion of colors, appears as a confusion of colors,

shades and shapes. When searching shades and shapes. When searching from shore the casual observer may not from shore the casual observer may not be able to identify a body even when it is be able to identify a body even when it is

not fully covered by water. not fully covered by water.

What to look for...

Perceptions & expectations...

The body may blend into The body may blend into the color & textures of the the color & textures of the surrounding environmentsurrounding environment

Flesh tones tend to blend Flesh tones tend to blend with white waterwith white water

Skin color may appear Skin color may appear very white to luminousvery white to luminous

Floating debris, strainers and overhanging Floating debris, strainers and overhanging branches can easily hide or camouflage a branches can easily hide or camouflage a body in swiftwater body in swiftwater

Conditions often require a slow and Conditions often require a slow and methodical search of the area methodical search of the area

While it is necessary to have a good While it is necessary to have a good clothing and physical description of the clothing and physical description of the victim, be aware that clothing and jewelry victim, be aware that clothing and jewelry are often stripped away in the forces of are often stripped away in the forces of moving water and the body moving water and the body may be nudemay be nude

A body in moving A body in moving water may be difficult water may be difficult

to see, especially to see, especially from a distancefrom a distance

Near view

Far view

Mark it…identify location with flagging, identify location with flagging, GPS, etc.GPS, etc.

Secure it...with rope if safe to do sowith rope if safe to do so

Stay with it...remain with victim and monitor until remain with victim and monitor until recovery team arrivesrecovery team arrives

Once the body is located

If there are suspicious If there are suspicious circumstances surrounding circumstances surrounding the incident, take special the incident, take special precautions so as not to precautions so as not to destroy evidencedestroy evidence

Photograph and record body Photograph and record body position, obvious trauma, etc.position, obvious trauma, etc.

Bag hands and feet Bag hands and feet

Have a preplan for action in place Have a preplan for action in place beforebefore the victim is found the victim is found

Assign a team member or “trained” Assign a team member or “trained” victim’s advocate to the familyvictim’s advocate to the family

Assign a team member or PIO as Assign a team member or PIO as representativerepresentative

Quietly notify team and Quietly notify team and command staffcommand staff

Considerations for family & media...

Whenever possible, have the family Whenever possible, have the family escorted from the scene before the escorted from the scene before the victim is removed from the watervictim is removed from the water

Encourage the family to wait until the Encourage the family to wait until the body is at the morgue or hospital body is at the morgue or hospital before viewing their loved onebefore viewing their loved one

Consider the need for CISDConsider the need for CISD

Trauma often Trauma often associated with moving associated with moving

water fatalities...water fatalities...

Gas formation may occur days, weeks or Gas formation may occur days, weeks or months later and body refloat could move months later and body refloat could move the victim outside the initial containment the victim outside the initial containment area. As a result, continual monitoring of area. As a result, continual monitoring of the area over an extended period may be the area over an extended period may be necessary.necessary.

If victim is not located...

CourseSummary“The ultimate goal of any operation is to search effectively without placing search and rescuer personnel in harm’s way.”