ACA Conference – Throw Bag Tricks, Swimming and Wading Throw Bag

ACA Conference – Throw Bag Tricks, Swimming and Wading

Throw Bag Tricks Double Bag Throw o Helps increase time of grabbing the bag if it is not caught o Can increase distance of throw depending on length of rope and size of rope • Attaching rope end to rope end with a carabiner • Thrower “A” deploys the entire bag while thrower “B” deploys a coil holding on to the end Whipping the rope o Helps bring the rope back across the river instead of dropping it in the water o Works with most throw bags diameters up to 100’ • Two people would be holding the rope above water across the river • One person would be holding the end of the rope which they would be the one to let go • Both people will pull back the rope at the same time just using the snap of your elbow • Once the has been practiced you will count to the and the person holding the end will let go on the last snap which will shock load the rope allowing it to whip back across the river Barn Door Rescue Technique o Allows you to have a rope across the river to catch someone floating downstream • Set up – Two people one on each side of the river • Rope is deployed across the river from one person to the other each holding on to it • Define which side of the river you want to swing the person into the shore based on where the eddy is. Where the eddy is will also the side where the belayer will be. The belayer will need to take up all the rope so the person on the other side would just be holding the end of the rope • When the swimmer floats down you will direct them to grab the rope which is sitting above the water and visible to the swimmer • Once the swimmer grabs the rope the belayer will start to belay the person in while the other rescuer lets go of the rope allowing the swimmer to pendulum to shore

Wading Single person wade with a paddle o We discussed changing your body position to reduce the surface area and point your feet the direction you want to go Single person wader without a paddle o We discussed the use of wading without a assisting tools (i.e. paddle, tree limb, etc) o Keep you center of gravity low in the water, uses of rocks and use of feathering your hands under water to stabilize yourself when wading Wedge Wade with a tether o We discussed the use of a tether at the back of the wedge wade so that when the back person gets the patient he/she can pendulum back to shore holding the patient versus trying to wade back with them. Fence Wade o The fence wade works well when trying to move a group of people across a river o You are creating a “fence” of people displacing the water and making an eddy on the downstream side. This allow you to walk on the downstream side of the group (human fence) o The fence wade can move in any direction on the river, it can snake upstream or downstream around obstacles • Set up – Form the fence facing in the direction you want to go across the river • You will be holding onto the PFD of the person in front of you • Once the fence has been formed, one member of the wade team can start moving to the front on the downstream side of human ‘fence’. Based on the situation and speed of current you could possibly have 2 people moving at a time • Make sure to allow some of the current to flush through the fence so it doesn’t create too much force on the front or back of the wade.

Swimming o No kicking – kills energy, doesn’t create much propulsion, can smash up your shins or knees o Swimming more offensively – Think of yourself as a boat and driving for the eddy’s head first o Frog stroke – does create forward momentum, allows you to push your head up to see what is happening downstream and conserves energy

Review of Cinches and Mechanical advantage Station ACAS Swiftwater Rescue Conference

Entrapment / Cinches

First we highlighted the importance of performing a quick 3 Point Evaluation of our subject.

1. Airway (if yes needs stabilization) if No Airway (needs immediate extrication) 2. Direct Contact (need double aﬃrmative CAN I reach the subject AND SHOULD I in reference to is it within my ACCEPTABLE LEVEL OF RISK) 3. Environment… in the event that I CAN’T or SHOULDN’T reach the subject what do I have for “working zones. Are there 2 working zones within 20m, 60ft, 1 throw bag length of the subject or is the subject within 10m, 30ft, 1/2 throw bag length of 1 working zone.

By making this quick assessment we can then use the most appropriate form of rescue based on the condition and location of our subject.

We highlighted a few diﬀerent Cinching Techniques.

Stabilization Line with Simple Cinch Box Cinch Modiﬁed Mather Cinch One Bank Lasso Cinch Modiﬁed “Paddle Pull” using webbing

Certain cinches can be viewed at www.rescueforriverrunners.com

Mechanical Advantage.

Our Mechanical Advantage stationed highlighted a review of the necessary equipment and steps to securely and conﬁdently set up a Simple 3:1, Simple 5:1 and Compound 9:1.

We also highlighted the role and necessity of using Pulleys in reducing friction in MA Systems. Boat Based Rescue Station- 2017 ACA Swiftwater Rescue Conference -

by Tom Burroughs – ACA L-5 ASWR IT

The goal of this station is to expose the participants to both current and developing ways of using their watercraft as a platform for accessing and performing rescue in swiftwater environments.

As we know, the historical SE-RE-TH-RO-G concept is focused on managing risk for rescuers responding to incident from land, whereas in most whitewater environments involving paddlers, other paddlers are already in their paddle craft and are often in a position to affect a quick and simple rescue.

The two greatest hazards to paddlers who are now in the water after exiting their paddlecraft, based on available data, are drownings from entrapment and flush drowning. Flush drowning risk can be lessened, and at times entrapments avoided by quick actions by other paddlers in the group using good critical judgment, and if reasonable, using their paddlecraft to perform the rescue before the situation gets worse.

The following is not meant as a complete list of craft or of technique, but covers the most common of such techniques.

1. Rafts (these highly versatile craft can be used easily for many techniques) a. Single and multipoint lowers from land based team i. Requires trained operators ii. Requires operators to have prior understanding and experience iii. Requires access to two opposing land masses iv. Raft can be brought upstream in some situations b. Chase down and intercept moving target i. Excellent visibility for rescuer and easily seen by victim ii. Requires skill in both the intercept, and in not running victim over, or into obstacles, which could cause significant injury to victim iii. Requires rescuer to have practice in swimmer recovery techniques (eastern/western/dunking etc.) and strong communication and teamwork c. Throwropes from raft i. High risk of entanglement if raft is also in motion! This could be considered in only a few situations, possibly if accessing target in hydraulic from downstream (could also incorporate raft to raft tether for protection from being pulled into hazard. ii. If raft is caught in/on feature, it is conceivable to use a rope thrown from raft to shore or to a second paddlecraft for assistance.

2. Whitewater Canoes a. Direct target access- offers rescuer high viewpoint=good visibility b. Allows for rescuer to readily exit in controlled manner onto rock or other such feature to gain access c. Depending on canoe and paddler, it is sometimes a possibility to put victim into the canoe with strong canoeist for transport d. If equipped appropriately, the stern painter can be used as a tow method for both other paddlecraft and victims e. Very functional for ferrying gear and lines f. Challenging for victims to grasp bow or stern in whitewater 3. Paddleboards a. Excellent viewing angle, allowing a far superior overall view when looking for targets b. Easy to load victim onto board and skilled paddler can paddle victim in some situations c. Not optimal for moving other watercraft, or for line ferry d. Ready access for both entry and exit when needing to work off mid-stream rocks e. Can be used as a stabilization/extraction/transport device for victim if needed 4. Whitewater Kayaks a. Highly maneuverable, and easily righted by competent paddler b. Lower viewing angle when compared to rafts, canoes and paddleboards, resulting in more difficulty in seeing target and downstream features c. Can easily be used for HOG, parallel, T, X, tow and crab methods d. Good for line ferries, but usually requires line receiver e. Best craft for QRH w/tether towing of both paddlecraft and victims, due to the lowest attachment point in relation to water level when compared to other referenced craft f. Easiest to portage upstream if needed to use different route to access the target if target is non-mobile g. Does not accommodate immediate emergency medical care, unlike other referenced craft h. Can be used for rope deployment access by highly skilled paddlers to access targets that may otherwise be unreachable by traditional means. This is a very high risk maneuver and must be practiced by the paddler in controlled environments before considering it as a field deployable technique (however this is an incredible tool when in completely walled in canyons with no shore access, especially when in a guide capacity around known hazard spots that cause victims to be stuck in hydraulics.

This is in no way meant to be either a recommendation or guide to any of the aforementioned techniques. This paper is only meant for comparative analysis of different paddlecraft, and techniques specific to those craft. All the above techniques require regular practice and critical judgement as to their appropriateness in given situations. Never Forget- Make No More Victims!

2017 ACA SWR Conference Rescue PFD Module – Sam Fowlkes

Underwriters Laboratory Standards Test Panel – Marine Buoyant Devices Rescue Harness Task Group 2009 Chaired by Gibson Mokler - Kokatat PFD Compliance Officer Rescue 3 International IT Task Group Members - Sam Fowlkes, Slim Ray and Tim Rogers, ACA member Robin Pope Rescue PFD Standards Update 2009 Changes: 1. A new standard for the toggle ball. It must withstand 50 lbs. of pull (1 minute) without coming off. I have noticed that some manufacturers have changed the knot from an overhand to a figure eight. The force to open the buckle remains unchanged (cannot exceed 25 lb.). 2. The most remarkable major change – refers to the maximum force a QRHB (Quick Release Harness Belt) must withstand. The old standard was: the QRHB must hold 1,100lbf (5 Kn) for 2 minutes with no more than 3 inches of slippage. The new standard, which was approved summer ‘09, changes this maximum force to 730lbf (3.3 Kn). This change also affects the shoulder strap maximum strength. This brings the standard closer to ISO standards. 3. Increase the minimum release load - the load applied to the device was increased from 25 lb. to 55 lb., the belt must come completely free of the PFD when buckle is opened. 4. “Working Load” test – QRHB must hold a 225 lb. load for 10 minutes with no more than 1 inch of slippage – this standard remains unchanged. 5. Discussion on distinguishing between two categories of Rescue PFD use. One being “recreational” the other “ professional.” “Recreational” would not exclude people using the device while working (for example: guides & instructors), the “Professional” labeled PFDs will be more in line with NFPA requirements, the primary difference is the requirement of a minimum of 22 lb. of buoyancy. ACA SWR Instructor info: RESCUE VESTS Valuable rescue tool, but with specific manageable risks Three major components – vest, attached reinforced harness, strong swimmer belt integral to safety harness, stainless steel triglide buckle + plastic fastex buckle Risks – increased risk of snagging, carabineers accidentally clipping into harness, chest pressure during V-lower/live bait, “expert” appearance Components – harness increases PFD strength, quick release belt allows release of tether under load while still allowing shore-based line attachment. Participants must recognize the potentially fatal risks associated with rescue vests Uses – anchor attachment, belay, secure equipment, tow point, wading self-assist, pin extraction, direct lower, live bait, direct lower, v-lower, line ferry, … Limited only by the user’s creativity. Release from the belt by pulling straight out. Angled pulls increase the risk for snagged webbing. Tow systems (e.g., sea kayaking systems) are NOT rescue vests; know the difference. Recognize that each vest is slightly different. If possible, have multiple examples. Differentiate between threading techniques – direct feed to buckle is weak, but releases easily (good for line ferries); weaving through the tri-glide is very strong (tri-glide takes all the force), but takesmore pressure to release (better for live bait and V-lowers) drills – live bait and v-lower below. Encourage creative use during scenarios and evolutions. problems and pitfalls – Standard of care requires instructors to check participant harness each time they use a rescue vest in a drill. Never use non-locking carabineers, and be sure to demonstrate what can happen when a non-locking carabineer is used with the harness.

R-PFD Possible Failure Causes: (Assumes UL USCG approved devices) 1) Webbing has excessive tail - 3-6 in is ideal, can possibly cause jam if longer 2) Frozen buckle! 3) Improper threading – twisted? 4) Webbing not flat the entire length to buckle! 5) Bead on end of webbing has a ridge! 6) Not pulled straight out, if pulling to up or down or to side may not open as well or at all! 7) Non -locker or locking beaner not locked side loads and clips into a webbing strap! 8) Mystery jam! Bottom line be prepared for a jam! Have a plan J! This is serious business, have a knife you can access, know where to cut the belt if need be. Use experienced line belayers who are aware of R-PFD issues.

Alternative threading methods discussion: Unofficial dynamometer tests with Extrasport Type 5 Fury R-PFDs show that threading through the left slot of the triglide metal will hold around 500 pounds of pull before beginning to slip significantly. The plastic fastex will hold less than half of 500. I consider using a full thread for gnarly water if there is a chance of entrapment or my boat being pinned. If I am using the R-PFD for lowers or live bait I thread the left slot of the triglide. If towing a line or boat, just the plastic fastex. The compromise is the fastex is not designed to hold a lot of tension and could fail and jam. In conversations with Slim Ray he pointed out the danger compromise, we are both on the R-PFD and QRHS UL task group and are reminded by the UL engineers that manufacturer and UL specs are the standard. Mike Mather has a great mantra – “plastic for plastic, metal for me” go figure! There is a trend towards the narrow strong swimmer webbing (not as problematic as the buckles with a smaller metal triglide,), which is more squared and has coarser edges by PFD manufacturers (Stolquist, Astral, NRS). The upside is the newer models are reported to have webbing on the strong swimmer belt, which is slicker and pulls through easily. A number of SWR instructors have a preference for the wider webbing and larger triglide with rounder buckle and smoother edges like the Kokatat Ronnin Pro, Extrasport, Force 6, Lotus and others. All professional rescuer R-PFD’s use the wider webbing. Every R-PFD has idiosyncrasies rescue instructors need to be aware of. As new models come on the market they need to be field tested and evaluated for pros and cons.

SWR Gear Test

Author: Sam Fowlkes ACA ASWR ITE R-3 IT Date: 9-15-17

Abstract: I planned to conduct an unofficial (Dillon dynamometers were not officially calibrated immediately prior to tests) mechanical advantage system test using commonly carried gear used by whitewater paddlers. The test was designed to ascertain the forces generated by standard MA systems. The test consisted of setting up and using 3x1, 5x1 and 9x1 tensioning systems. The initial force was generated by 3 students (with total body weights around 525 pounds 4-29 test, 575 pounds 5-5 test) hauling/pulling on a single line. Dillon analog dynamometers were set at the anchor point and at the load point. Maximum forces were recorded by reading the red needle maximum on each dynamometer.

Background: The gear tested on 4-29 was all absolutely new and in perfect condition. The haul line was a 3/8- inch diameter 75-foot long Dyneema kernmantle (in a throwbag) a commonly used and carried rescue item, the manufacturer was (Honeywell spectra strand, All Line Inc. weavers rated at 5,239 pounds mbs). The anchor and load points were one inch nylon tubular webbing (manufacturer – Sterling Rope rated at 4,000 pounds mbs). The cordage at the hitch point (prusik) was 7mm nylon cord (manufacturer – Sterling Rope rated at 2,788 pounds mbs). Hardware consisted of aluminum screw lock “d” carabineers (manufacturer Omega rated at 31Kn 6969 pounds mbs) and 2-inch sheave aluminum pulleys (manufacturer SMC rated at 34 Kn 7,644 pounds). The 5-5-17 tests were conducted with all of the same equipment with the exception of the rope used as the haul line. This was also 3/8 inch diameter 75 foot long Dyneema, however the spectra line was 5 years old and had never been used ort placed in service.

Test results:

SWR Gear Test 4-29-17 Equipment: All equipment tested is new, never used until test 1) 75’ Spectra rope (Honeywell strand All Line Inc. weaver/manufacturer) 2) 2 x 16’ One inch tubular nylon webbing (Sterling Rope) 3) 3 x 5’ 7mm Nylon nylon prusik cord (Sterling Rope) 4) 4 x SMC 2in pulleys 5) 6 x Screw lock Omega carabineers 31 Kn 6) 1 x Twist lock Omega carabineers 30 – Kn 7) 1 x Auto lock Omega carabineer 30 Kn 8) 1 x Dillon dynamometer 5,000 lbs. max measure 9) 1 x Dillon dynamometer 10 Kn 2,248 lbs. max measure

Test # 1 1) 3 line pullers - a) 200 lbs. b) 175lbs c) 150lbs Total 525 lbs. 2) 1 line progress capture manager 3) Dillon dynamometer 10 KN @ anchor A 4) Dillon dynamometer 5,000 lbs. @ anchor B Z) 1 to 1 measured 500 lbs. at the load 5) MA set up 3x1 “Z drag” - Readings @ anchor A and B A- 607 lbs. B- 950 lbs.

1 6) Vector pull at max pull and brake - Readings @ anchor A and Load B A- X B- X Test # 2 1) 3 line pullers - a) same b) ditto c) ditto 2) 1 line progress capture manager 3) Dillon dynamometer 10 KN @ anchor A 4) Dillon dynamometer 5,000 lbs. @ anchor B 5) MA set up 5x1 MA - Readings @ anchor A and B A- 800 lbs.? B- 1,200 lbs. 6) Vector pull at max pull and brake - Readings @ anchor A and Load B A- X B- Test # 3 1) 3 line pullers - a) same b) ditto c) ditto 2) 1 line progress capture manager 3) Dillon dynamometer 10 KN @ anchor A 4) Dillon dynamometer 5,000 lbs. @ anchor B 5) MA set up 9x1 MA - Readings @ anchor A and B A- 1,282 lbs. B- 1,890lbs 6) Vector pull at max pull and brake - Readings @ anchor A and B A- X B- Data documented by:

Date + time: 4-29-17 12:30 PM Weather conditions: warm + misty Temperature: 70 F.

Test design by Sam Fowlkes ACA L-5 ASWR ITE ´ © Sam Fowlkes SWR Gear Test 5-17-17 Equipment: All equipment tested is new never used until test 1) 75’ Spectra rope (Honeywell strand All Line Inc. weaver/manufacturer) 2) 2 x 16’ One inch tubular nylon webbing (Sterling Rope) 3) 3 x 5’ 7mm Nylon nylon prusik cord (Sterling Rope) 4) 4 x SMC 2in pulleys 5) 6 x Twist lock Omega carabineers 31 Kn 6) 1 x Twist lock Omega carabineer 30 – Kn 7) 1 x Twist lock Omega carabineer 30 Kn 8) 1 x Dillon dynamometer 5,000 max measure 9) 1 x Dillon dynamometer 10 Kn 2,248 lbs. max measure

Test # 1 1) 3 line pullers - a) 225 lbs. b) 185 lbs. c) 165 lbs. Total 575 lbs. 2) 1 line progress capture manager 3) Dillon dynamometer 10 KN @ anchor A 4) Dillon dynamometer 5,000 lbs. @ anchor B 5) MA set up 3x1 “Z drag” - Readings @ anchor A and B A- 1,000 lbs. B- 1,100 lbs.

2 6) Vector pull at max pull and brake - Readings @ anchor A and B A- X B- Test # 2 1) 3 line pullers - a) same b) ditto c) ditto 2) 1 line progress capture manager 3) Dillon dynamometer 10 Kn @ anchor A 4) Dillon dynamometer 5,000 lbs. @ anchor B 5) MA set up 5x1 MA - Readings @ anchor A and B A- 1,200 lbs. B- 1,710 lbs. 6) Vector pull at max pull and brake - Readings @ anchor A and B A- X B- Test # 3 1) 3 line pullers - a) same b) ditto c) ditto 2) 1 line progress capture manager 3) Dillon dynamometer 10 Kn @ anchor A 4) Dillon dynamometer 5,000 lbs. @ anchor B 5) MA set up 9x1 MA - Readings @ anchor A and B A- 1,800 lbs. B- 2,000 lbs. 6) Vector pull at max pull and brake - Readings @ anchor A and B A- X B- Data documented by: Sam Fowlkes

Date + time: 5-5-17 11:00 AM Weather conditions: Cool + clear Temperature: 70 F.

Conclusions: 1) Soft gear: 1) 7mm Prusiks 2) 3/8 inch Dyneema rope were clearly damaged by force and heat at the 5x1 and 9x1 MA systems (1 inch tubular webbing showed no signs of damage) 2) Hard gear: carabineers and pulleys showed no signs of damage 3) 3X1 was effective but had a lot of actual MA loss due to friction in the system, gear was intact and did not come close to manufacturer mbstical 4) Theoretical MA and actual MA at the load showed significant differences and loss due to friction points 5) 5x1 was effective and showed some damage. The figure 8 on a bight knot showed some distortion and undressing. This can be viewed as a “fuse” indicator of significant force of around 6 Kn 6) 9x1 was effective and showed some concerning damage to soft gear i.e. rope and prusiks. 7) 9x1 maximum force measured at the load was concerning as it was approaching 9 Kn 8) The 7mm prusik was definitely the weak link in the MA system at 2,788 lbs. of mbs 9) The knot efficiency loss was concerning if calculated at 30% this leaves 1,951 lbs. of strength which is at the top end on the 9x1 10) Tandem prusiks can be used as a safety rig either set at close to equal tension or as a safety jumper – this is highly advisable

3 11) Kayak manufacturers rate their metal broach bars at a MBS of 2,000 lbs. This is significant and would motivate more than one attachment point in an unpinning set up 12) Safety precautions are advised as the gear paddlers may use may be in less than ideal condition 13) Safety precautions advised: 1) Cutting tool readily available 2) safety check on all components prior to tensioning 3) gear in acceptable condition i.e. no signs of deterioration 4) safety damper applied 5) change of direction at the haul point 6) Bachman used as a brake/progress capture so the brake tender can be in a safe zone 7) safety gear worn i.e. helmet, pfd and gloves Thanks to all of the students who participated in this test! I want to give a special thanks to Robin Pope ACA ASWR ITE for his valuable assistance and support. This test is unofficial and was conducted in the field rather than controlled laboratory conditions. Hopefully the data shown here will give the paddlesport community and SWR instructors some valuable information when teaching tensioning systems with gear commonly used in whitewater venues. There are other tests which need to be conducted: a variety of tensioned systems with vector pulls, one being the transport hitch, another a simple 2x1 and various brake systems including using a Muenter hitch at the anchor and a progress capture. Gear changes could be studied as well i.e. smaller sheave diameter pulleys The sky is the limit as to innovative, practical and effective tensioning systems. Be safe out there!

Respectfully submitted, Sam Fowlkes ACA ASWR ITE and R-3 IT