804: Water Rescues

• To outline the procedures, responsibilities, and protocols for responding to water rescue incidents. 

• Applicable to all fire department personnel involved in water rescue operations. 

• Water Rescue: The act of saving a person from water-related emergencies such as drowning, swift water, ice, or flooding.

• Swift Water: Fast-moving water typically found in rivers or flood situations.

• Cold Water/Ice Rescue: Incidents involving ice-covered bodies of water or cold water situations.

• Incident Commander (IC): Overall command of the incident.

• Safety Officer: Ensures safety protocols are followed.

• Rescue Team Leader: Directs rescue operations.

• Rescue Swimmers/Technicians: Perform water entry and rescue tasks.

• Support Personnel: Assist with equipment, communications, and logistics.

• Mandatory Training: All personnel involved in water rescue operations must complete certified training courses (e.g., NFPA 1006, Swift Water Rescue Technician).

• Ongoing Training: Regular drills and exercises to maintain proficiency.

• Certification: Personnel must hold valid certification in water rescue techniques.

• Weather Conditions: Monitor and adjust operations based on weather.

• Hazard Identification: Constantly assess for new hazards (debris, changing water levels).

• Backup Plan: Always have a secondary plan in case primary rescue efforts fail.

Dispatch and Response:

• Gather initial information (location, number of victims, nature of the emergency).

• Respond with appropriate units and equipment.

Scene Assessment:

• Establish Incident Command System (ICS).

• Conduct a scene size-up (hazards, victim location, water conditions).

• Set up staging area away from immediate hazards.

Initial Actions:

• Establish safety zones (Hot, Warm, Cold).

• Deploy spotters/lookouts to monitor conditions.

• Secure a downstream safety team if applicable.

Rescue Operations:

• Reach: Attempt to reach the victim from shore using poles or ropes.

• Throw: Use throw bags or ropes to pull the victim to safety.

• Row: Deploy boats for victim retrieval if safe and practical.

• Go: Only trained rescue swimmers should enter the water.

• Helo: Utilize helicopters for aerial rescue if available.

Victim Handling:

• Assess and stabilize victims.

• Transport to medical facilities if necessary.

• Conduct debriefing and after-action review.