Swift Water Rescue: 2-Point Anchor System with Assist for a Single Victim

Swift water rescue requires precision, teamwork, and reliable equipment to ensure the safety of both rescuers and victims. In this scenario, two rescuers work together to ferry across a river using a two-point anchor system with an assist. This setup facilitates a safe and efficient rescue of a single victim.

Key Steps in the Rescue Process

1. Preparation and Line Deployment:
   • Rescuers ferry across the river, equipped and ready to receive the line shot from the CMC ResQMax Swiftwater Rescue Kit.
   • The rescuer on the far bank assists by providing slack while the near bank team (river right) manages the line.
2. Anchor Setup:
   • Two-Point Anchors: Anchors are established on both sides of the river to create a stable system.
   • Third Assist Anchor: A throw bag is utilized to support the crossing, adding stability and redundancy.
3. Rescue Execution:
   • The river’s flow is leveraged to ferry the boat into position, making the upriver haul more manageable.
   • The victim is safely brought into the boat, and the system is reversed to return to the starting point.

Equipment Used in the System

• Petzl Rescue Pulley: Ensures smooth and efficient rope movement during the operation.
• Petzl Rescucender and Prusik Extensions: Provides progress capture and additional safety on both sides of the river.
• CMC ResQMax Swiftwater Rescue Kit: Delivers the line accurately across the river, streamlining the setup.

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Efficiency and Safety in Swift Water Rescues

This 2-point anchor system with an assist highlights the importance of utilizing the river’s natural flow to enhance efficiency. By ferrying into position and carefully managing slack, the team minimizes physical exertion while maintaining control over the operation. The addition of progress capture devices and prusik extensions further ensures the safety and reliability of the system.

Special thanks to the City of San Diego Lifeguards for their assistance in creating this instructional video.

Peace on your Days

Lance