Swiftwater Rescue Manual and Graphics

Dr. Robert B. Kauffman

Robert B. Kauffman, Ph.D.

[Keywords: Swift water rescue, river rescue, SWR, throw bags, rescue, knots, mechanical advantage, pulley systems]

Introduction

Chapter 6 on mechanical advantage is stellar. It describes pulley systems in terms of three basic systems [2:1, 3:1, and block and tackle systems]. It introduces the concept of “throw”, and internal and external systems.

Swiftwater Rescue Course Manual: The Swiftwater Rescue Manual was developed by Dr. Kauffman who is responsible for its contents. People are welcome to use any and all the materials. They do so with the following stipulations listed in the disclaimer section.

Disclaimer

Chapter 5 presents knots by whether they are a knot, hitch, or bend. One of my favorites is the tension-less anchor with its lock off.

1. Users using the materials acknowledge that they are knowledgeable in swiftwater rescue and know how to use the materials contained herein. These materials are provided to assist people already knowledgeable and trained in swiftwater rescue.

2. The author has attempted to be accurate and has not purposely created false information. Again, users of these materials assume that they are knowledgeable and can determine for themselves any errors or incorrect information.

There is a lot of good information in Chapter 3. Consider a standing belay and then moving back on the rock to increase the pendulum effect and ease the load on the belayer. Immediately, going to a siting belay reduces the pendulum effect and can maximize the load on the belayer.

3. In an effort to advance SWR, these materials are offered free. Anyone who uses the materials, in part or in full, may do so. The only request is to provide Dr. Kauffman with the appropriate acknowledgement for the materials used. In other words, acknowledge but don’t plagiarize. Use, but don’t abuse. Recognize the source.

SWR Manual

Because of size limitations and convenience, the manual is provided by chapters. This makes the materials easier to access also. The files can be opened and/or downloaded. (Note: The chapters on river dynamics, knots, and mechanical advantage have been updated and published as pamphlets. (see Pamphlets))

In Chapter 4, the “Anatomy of an Eddy” is fundamental knowledge. Having reviewed other diagrams of eddies in numerous publications, most eddies are drawn as “mush”. All eddies have the three areas noted in the diagram and like people who are anatomically the same, eddies can have very different personalities.

GRAPHICS

Strainers are killers. The strainer drill is one of my favorites. In a safe environment, it gives swimmers the opportunity to experience why they are so dangerous. For us, it was an extensive setup, but that was okay.

The graphics below are a sampling from the manual. They represent some of the more popular graphics. To open or view the graphic, right click on the graphic and click on “View Image”. This enlarges the image to full screen. To download, you can do it from “View Image” screen or right clicking on the small image and then click on “Save Image As…” Other graphics are available from the author and depending on the size of the request, they may require using a dropbox. If higher resolution graphics are needed, contact the author.

The Throwbag Drill is a favorite. It is widely used and should be. It is two activities in one. It is both a swimming and a throwbag drill in one activity. It gives students experience in two important skills. As noted in Chapter 3, the exercise has been involved in several legal cases. Review Chapter 3 to help avoid its pitfalls.
Figure 2.1 – Solo Wading with a Paddle
Figure 2.2 – Two Person Wading
Figure 2.3 – Four Person Wading
Figure 2.4- Pyramid
Figure 2.10 – Strainer Drill
Figure 2.13 – Swimming Line Across the River
Figure 3.5 – Throw Bag Drill
Figure 3.7 – Pendulum Effect
Figure 3.16 – Simple Cinch
Figure 4.4 – View of Upstream and Downstream Vs
Figure 4.7 – Anatomy of an Eddy
Figure 4.11 – Strainers
Figure 4.8 – Anatomy of a Hydraulic
Figure 4.12 – Under Cut Rocks
Figure 6.6- 120o Rule Applied to a 2:1 System
Figure 6.8 – Z-Rig [3:1]
Figure 6.10 – 5:1 System
Figure 6.11 – Double Z-Rig [9:1]
Figure 6.3 – Throw
The above figures can easily be downloaded. Simply right click on the photo and click on “Save Image As…” If you need higher resolution artwork or figures not listed here, please contact me by email and we can arrange for a Dropbox transfer depending on the size of the request.
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