Rigging is one of out "7 Pillars" or Swiftwater Rescue.  The more familiar we are at using forces (such as vector forces and Mechanical Advantage systems) the better rescuers we will be.

Anchors with rope (on anchor)

 Tensionless Hitch (No Knot)

Often it only takes a few minutes to preform a given task ONCE we get out lines across the river.  Hours later we can still be trying to get our lines across the river.

Techniques Include

Pendulums and Line Crossings are useful Rope Assisted transport techniques.  We often use them to avoid longer more hazardous swims.  Attention to the small details can help us maximize our benefit and reduce our potential struggles while using rope assisted rescue techniques.

 Pendulum Techniques

Entrapment and Cinches require both strategy and teamwork.  They require fact action that cannot be "made up" at the time of incident. Here we have outlined a few common strategies.

 NOTE - The most effective way to rescue someone from an entrapment is with DIRECT CONTACT

3 Point Entrapment Assessment

Teaching Tips

 Entrapment Drills are a great way of building teamwork amongst rescuers.  To get the best out of students first emphasize proper technique, then efficiency then expedience.  Good to add an element of speed and urgency by timing repeated drills.

It can be advantageous to create a Tethered Rescue Platform as an access tool. These techniques are both time and equipment heavy and may be difficult to perform with limited equipment.

Tethered Rescue Platforms