Swift water rescue training

Douglas County Search & Rescue hosted a swiftwater rescue technician training event April 30-May 2.

Featuring an instructor from Sierra Rescue California's premiere Rescue 3 swift water rescue instruction company specializing in hands-on training, 11 member search and rescue teams from Douglas, Alpine and Carson City participated.

Instructor Rachel Moore emphasized skills such as self rescue, throw bag rescue, entrapments, thinking through a rescue, simple rope tricks and rescue techniques that have been tested and proven successful in real rescues.

Moore played the victim in several scenarios which tested the participant's abilities to plan and execute a swiftwater rescue.

The river portion of the class included defensive and aggressive swimming techniques and accessing eddies.

Contact rescues emphasized rescuer safety and taught techniques to counter panic subjects.

Participants learned about Live-Bait jackets which allow self-release if caught in a serious situation.

Shallow water crossings both singly and in small groups were practiced.

Entrapment rescues were emphasized.

Moore taught the team members never to try and stand up when under downstream momentum, which is the quickest way to get a foot trapped.

Strainer drills were practiced as well as rescues involving the use of river boards.

Knots were reviewed and the use of ropes with and without mechanical advantage to aid in rescues were taught and practiced. Freeing wrapped boats, righting overturned rafts, and the use of zip lines were all skills that were also taught and practiced. The course included a difficult written exam and student skills demonstrations. Successful students received certification as a Swiftwater Rescue Technician.