The basis for many lifeguard training programs (open water and pool) is the American Red Cross Senior Lifesaving Program. Agencies such as state parks have additional training programs for their lifeguards. The Red Cross manual is an excellent supplemental reading source for non-swiftwater rescues. However the basic rules apply to all attempts to rescue a struggling or drowning individual. This rule is abbreviated as "Reach, Throw, Row, and then Go."  Although very basic and straight forward, many times rescue attempts fail because rescuers fail to follow this basic rule. In fact not following this basic rule places the rescuer in danger of becoming a second victim which will divert resources from their original goal of rescuing the subject. The basic rule lists in order the types of rescue attempts that should be considered when approaching a drowning situation. This situation is complicated when approaching a subject in swiftwater but the basic considerations are the same. The rule is expanded below.  

Reaching is the first and easiest form of water rescue. If a subject can be saved by an outreached arm, an outreached leg, or an extended branch use this method. Remember to yell clear, simple, and distinct orders to grab the extended object as persons in danger of drowning are often experiencing an adrenalin rush and are very confused. An order such as "Grab the stick and hold on" is simple and useful. Remember in swiftwater applications, the current is very strong so be ready for a jolt when the current pulls on the subject in the water. It may not be possible for a single rescuer to actually remove an individual from the water after the subject has been grabbed. If so, hold the subject close to an edge, maintain an open airway, attempt to protect him from further injury, and await additional help to extract the subject. The reach of a rescuer is greatly enhanced by the shepherd's crook. This device is typically used in pool rescues but has it application in swiftwater also. Some water channels are only 10 to 15 ft across. Waterway victims traveling near the edge of the waterway can be grabbed using the shepherd's crook. Another advantage of the crook is that the subject may be uncooperative or unconscious and the application is the same. In fact the subject may even be traveling underwater.  

Throwing pertains to anything that is thrown to a subject to help his plight. This type of rescue includes the use of throw lines, life rings, and floats. The three major types of rope throw assemblies are the throw bag, the coiled rope, and the life ring with rope. These should be practiced by the rescuer. Each is simple in theory but the best odds for a successful rescue come from the ability of the rescuer to throw accurately (in the dark, with heavy rain, heavy wind, and high waves). This type of rescue is only useful if the subject is cooperative. Throwing should be accompanied with orders given loudly and clearly. (One person giving orders is best to prevent confusion and garbled orders.)  Throwing also includes throwing something that floats. This float can be a life ring, a PFD, boogie board, or anything else (cooler etc.). The objective is to provide the subject with an aid to keep him afloat until further help can be rendered.  

Rowing in the classical sense meant to row a boat to the subject. This can be generalized to paddling a canoe, swimming a surf board, or motoring out to a subject. The intent is to either have the subject climb into the watercraft or to simply hold onto the craft until the subject can be dragged to safe water. In swiftwater, typically only kayaks and rafts have any rescue application. Kayaks are useful in large river applications such as the Kern and the American river. Also technical specialists are needed to command the kayaks which have limited capabilities. "Rubber rafts" are designed to float well and to withstand the rough handling of concrete surfaces and other drainage ditch trash. The raft is also constructed to allow tethering and control of the watercraft via ropes from the side of the waterway. The raft is useful even when completely swamped with water.  

"GO" in the sense of a lifeguard would be to engage in a swimming type rescue. These are planned and practiced maneuvers that apply to the engagement of a drowning subject in open water. The first swimming type engagement attempt is to swim an extension to the subject so "subject to rescuer contact" is avoided. Actual swimming rescues are always adaptations or combinations of the basic practiced approach skills. When one considers the dangers of open water swimming rescues, and compounds that with the dangers of swiftwater, swimming rescues are all but completely eliminated as a practical means of rescue. "In water" operations in swiftwater are limited to zip line and tethered raft operations. Swimming rescues may be applicable once the subject has been carried to a wide waterway section or he moves into still or slower moving water. In any event the swimming type rescue must be relegated to those trained and practiced in such rescues.  

In general a swimmer would need a American Red Cross Lifesaving, Water Safety Instructor, or equivalent certification; be actively performing swimming sessions to be able to swim 1/4 mile freestyle, and a certificate of completion of an open water swiftwater rescue course that is recognized by the team. Use of a swimmer is based on the Operations Leader understanding of the member's capabilities.  

TEAM WATER RESCUE RESPONSE PROTOCOL  

The team may be called to execute a water type rescue at any time but the likelihood will place the rescue during a rainstorm after days of near flooding rain has already saturated the area. The team defines the following ready status:  

Normal Status — The team has gear available to respond to water type rescues but the team response will be more like that of a normal backcountry response with people in station within 30 minutes and response to scene with SAR vehicles typically within 1 hour of a call. Direct responders will be dispatched if appropriate.  

Alert Status  — This status will occur when flooding conditions are becoming evident or serious rainstorms exist with more rainstorms expected. At this time, if needed, personnel will be sent to the station to check gear and to verify that all water gear is established in the vehicles in a ready state. No further action is taken. This might be a good time for members to review protocols, the training manual, their personal equipment, and to advise employers that flood problems may be expected.  

Stage 2 Alert Status — In this case county fire has moved onto additional staffing and flood problems are being noted. Team members may be asked to provide some additional staffing but it is not likely. The active Team Operations Leader will be known to the county coordinators and will be available by page to coordinate a water rescue. The Operations Leader will be able to quickly access a phone, maps, and the SARNET system for a quick team dispatch.  

Stage 3 Alert Status — Will occur if the county goes to a state of emergency or county coordinators feel that additional staffing is required. Although each event will dictate its own staffing requirements, the following is considered standard:  

Operations Leader known and accessible by phone, page, and radio

2 or 3 rescuers staged at station 10 per shift through emergency

2 or 3 rescuers staged at the heliport as a shift (with vehicle)

All members alerted to flooding problems

Plan for station 10 staffing made for 48 hours advance

Active staffing known to S/O and fire Dispatch  

Active Status —  Indicates that the team is in service or on a call. This may include standard alpine calls, urban responses, water rescue calls, or flood support activation. Flood zones typically follow prior burn areas but are not limited to these areas. Some of the county areas outside of Ojai and Fillmore are close to natural drainage zones and are likely to flood during extremely heavy rains. If the team is activated to assist in non-technical evacuations, a schedule of 6 to 8 members per shift will typically be utilized. If technical evacuations are necessary, then most likely the complete team will be activated.  

The water rescue call is very similar in fashion to a known technical rescue in the local area, in that speed of response, direct responders, and an early Operations Leader plan, play a very important role in the success of the operation. During a water rescue call, the Operations Leader will remain in a control position; most likely at home or at work. The Operations Leader will have access to street maps (Thomas Brothers Guides), Topo Maps, Radio communication including SARNET, and a telephone. If the team is at stage 3 alert status, the Operations Leader will dispatch the ready teams to a proper staging site. If the team is not at stage 3, a hasty team sent to the station or a regular deputy at the station may be instructed to drive the utility vehicle to a meeting placed defined by the Operations Leader. The ready team will bring the majority of the water rescue gear which is kept in the utility truck. Other team members will be paged and dispatched according to a plan the Operations Leader is formulating. In most cases this will be a mutual aid call with S/O units, Fire Units, and local law enforcement units also responding. Initial coordination between other responding agencies and SAR will be handled through the Operations Leader. The utility truck should be dispatched to an appropriate staging area where direct responders can acquire the necessary gear. The Operations Leader will place a senior member in charge of the local operation at the rescue site. The on site leader will then control the local operation in coordination with other responding county agencies and other people on scene.  

In water rescue calls there is no time to discuss much, so leader decisions must be handled expediently. In general, a person trapped in a waterway will require sending members to several potential sites. This coordination will be handled by the Operations Leader. Each site's assigned leader will be delegated by the Operations Leader. The Operations Leader is responsible for coordinating the efforts at the different sites, making the best use of assets, and tracking individual members that are responding. Getting members connected with the proper gear is of key importance. For direct responders it is best to have members car pool with members who have access to radios and SARNET. It will be necessary to have a team respond to the station to drive additional vehicles for use in the field. Direct responders should not attempt to drive into hazardous areas with their own vehicles. It is better to take the time to hike into an area than to risk sticking a vehicle in the mud which will block further traffic. Be especially careful to not leave a vehicle in a spot prone to flood where the vehicle runs the risk of being washed into the waterway.  

A water rescue response will require quick thinking and forethought on the part of the Operations Leader to predict and assess fallback plans as the situation unfolds. As sightings of the stranded individual are noted, a report (Location and status) should be made to the Operations Leader so he can advise other teams of the location and progress.   Geographical coordinates as well as UTM position will be helpful to the Operations Leader. If the subject does not appear as anticipated an approximate search area between the rescuer's location and the last observation can be made. Eddies or strainers may have trapped the subject in a deadly snarl. Speed in initiating a search may help to increase the odds of a successful rescue. The more adjuncts that can be put in place to stop the subject, the better the odds of survival. It is important to watch for clothing or glimpses of the subject as the subject may be traveling under the water's surface. If the subject is rescued, remove the subject from the area near the waterway. Provide initial emergency care as needed. The Operations Leader should then advise dispatch (most likely S/O and Fire dispatch) of the patient status. All subjects removed from the waterway are treated as drowning subjects which require medical examination by a county ambulance or medical advisory board member. Asphyxial periods, hemodilution, and hyponatremia (lack of sodium) can lead to ventricular fibrillation hours after the drowning or near drowning episode if left untreated. Subjects may not release themselves as AMA based on a team member's experience level. After immediate life threatening conditions have been treated, warming and spinal precautions should be considered.  

If possible, ascertain from the subject if there are any additional subjects that may be in the water,  (i.e. Was the subject traveling with someone else in the vehicle before it went into the waterway?)  Advise the Operations Leader of any and all information. Once all information is confirmed, the Operations Leader will then give a "stand down" order and directions will be given for clean up and briefing. All units should remain at their assigned positions until directed to depart by the overall Operations Leader. (Of course unless a safety situation occurs which forces an aborted mission.)  Gear should be properly returned to the vehicles so that the team can be immediately ready for another activation. The Operations Leader has the ultimate responsibility to guarantee that all members are returned safely from their field assignments.  

Wet gear will need cleaning and possible repair or replacement. If the team is operating in a stage 3 alert, it will be necessary to allow wet gear to remain in the vehicle to be ready for immediate response.  

Rescuer safety is of utmost importance. This includes the trip to the rescue scene and all actions while on scene. It may be necessary at times to utilize civilian volunteers. If possible allow a sworn deputy to make this decision. Otherwise clear the use of civilians with the Operations Leader. Outside volunteers shall not be used in any hazardous areas. (Slippery mud could place someone in harm's way very easily.)