1. Swift/Moving Water Rescue Incidents Awareness Level
Developed by
The Plymouth Fire Department

2. Swift/Moving Water Rescue Awareness Level Technical Assistance
The Hennepin County (MN) Sheriff’s Office
Minnesota DNR
Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission

3. Swift/Moving Water
Current Velocity
mph
Legs
lbf
Body
Swamped Boat 3
16.8
33.6
168 6
67.2
134
672 9
151
302
1512 12
269
538
2688
Current Velocitymph)
Legs
(lbf)
Body
Swamped Boat 3
16.8
33.6
168 6
67.2
134
672 9
151
302
1512 12
269
538
2688

4. Swift Water Hazards Top debris Suspended debris Bottom debris Rocks
Bridge abutments
Strainers
Low head dams
Cold water
Speed/force of the water …

5. Awareness Level Rescue Options
Reach (pike pole, etc)
Throw (throw bag, downstream diagonal lines)

6. Swift Water Management
Request technical
rescue assistance
Request shared communication
talk group
Maintain responder accountability
Communicate rescue and
safety plan

7. Awareness Level Rescue First Arriving
Point last seen
Number of victims
Age
Time since last seen
Type/color of clothing, PFD?
Swimming ability, with boat, etc
Search immediate area
Relay information

8. PFD, Helmet and Throw Bag If Within 10 Feet of Water
NO TURNOUTS
NO FIRE HELMETS

9. ID Hazards and Current Vector

10. Awareness Level Rescue Responder Actions
First Arriving: Downstream Containment
Personnel both sides
PFD, technical rescue helmet, throw bags
Search
Second Arriving: Upstream Observers
Watch for items traveling downstream that could injure swimmers in the water
Water surge

11. Awareness Level Rescue Responder Safety
PFD and throw bag if within 10’ of water
Deploy upstream spotters (surge, debris)
Deploy multiple downstream recovery points
Do not wear structural turnout gear
Do not wear structural fire helmet

12. Awareness Level Rescue Responder Safety
Never tie a rope to yourself
Do not enter moving water
Always be ready for self-rescue
Do not drive through moving water that is deeper than ½ height of the tire

13. Awareness Level Rescue Self Rescue
PFD/Throw bag if within 10’ of edge
Keep feet up, pointed downstream
Do not drag feet
Move your body at a 45 degree angle to the current
Ferry angle
Watch out for strainers

14. Awareness Level Rescue Victim Rescue
PFD 10'
Reach or Throw Only!
Do not attach a rope to
yourself
Use throw bag
Don’t forget about the speed of the water
Deploy downstream diagonal lines
Pendulum victim to shore
Treat for hypothermia

15. First Shot - With Throw Bag

16. Second Shot By Recoiling Rope

17. Possible Injuries Head injuries Hypothermia Other ???
Minnesota waters should be considered cold water drowning, any time of the year
Other ???