ZONE 3
WATER RESCUE OPERATIONS
PURPOSE:
To provide guidelines for all personnel in the safe and effective deployment of resources
during water rescue operations.
SCOPE:
These guidelines are designed to assist Suppression Personnel, the Technical Rescue
Team, and other personnel who may be involved in a water rescue operation. A water
rescue is defined as any incident involving the removal of a victim(s) from any body of
water other than a swimming pool.
INTRODUCTION:
It should be understood that this guideline in no way is intended to be all-inclusive.
Experience, training and coordination among team members during water rescue
operations are an absolute necessity.
SIZE UP:
The size-up should include, but not be limited to, the initial and continuous evaluation of
the following:
1. Scope, magnitude, and nature of the incident. If a witness can be located the
following information should be obtained:
□ Point last seen
□ Time of accident/injury
□ Time victim was last seen
□ Number of victims
□ Description of vehicle/victims
2. Risk versus benefit analysis (body recovery versus rescue).
3. Access to the scene.
4. Environmental factors.
5. Available / necessary resources.
6. Identify if patient contact can be performed without endangering either responders
or additional victims:
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Determine the victim’s location.
Identify how the victim entered the water.
Evaluate if the victim is injured.
Determine the victim’s stability of position.
If the information you gathered suggests that water rescue is needed, then complete the
following:
1. Declare the incident a water rescue operation. Decide on type of water rescue
incident. Declare ‘Saltwater’, ‘Dive’, ‘Swiftwater’ or ‘Surface Water’ Rescue
incident. Each of these disciplines will bring the appropriate resources from Zone
3 departments and King County Sheriff’s Marine Unit.
2. Because of the complexity of these types of incidents, it is important that the first
arriving company officer establish command and request an operational
frequency.
3. Ensure the Shift Commander has been notified and set up initial Staging Area
with Staging Area Manager for the responding resources.
4. Insure that all personnel working with in 10’ of the water are wearing personal
floatation devices (PFD), without bunkers or fire helmet. Exception: Qualified
“Rescue Swimmers” in ‘Surface Water’ and ‘Saltwater’ rescue Incidents.
5. For Swiftwater Rescue Incidents: deploy upstream spotters to warn rescuers of
floating debris, and downstream spotters with throw bags on both sides of the
river as downstream containment and reconnaissance.
RESCUE OPERATIONS:
1. The Incident Commander and technical team leader shall establish a mutual
incident action plan with strong consideration given to amount and type of
resources required, a risk / benefit analysis, The Incident Commander shall make
a declaration to all responders as either a rescue or recovery operation. Any
change in the operational mode will be clearly communicated to all responders, as
well.
2.
The four objectives that must be met are: (LAST)
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Locating the victim.
Access to the victim.
Stabilization and preparing the victim for extrication.
Transporting the victim.
3.
The IC shall assign the technical team leader to the position of Rescue Group
Supervisor. The Rescue Group Supervisor (RGS) and/or personnel assigned to
this function shall develop an action plan with the Incident Commander. Once
the plan has been developed, they will be responsible for executing the plan in
the safest possible manner.
4. Technical rescue team members should be assigned to the appropriate positions, such
as, Rigging Team Leader, Rescue Swimmers, Boat Operator, and Technical Safety
Officer, etc.
5. The IC or RGS shall assign a Technical Safety Officer. The TSO must be trained to the
technician level in the discipline that they are overseeing. The IC may also assign an
overall Safety Officer, based on the needs of the operation.
6. If the operation has the potential to become a prolonged technical rescue, the Incident
Commander should consider assigning divisions to the upstream, downstream,
treatment, and rescue functions.
ADDITIONALCONSIDERATIONS:
Zone 3 Dive Teams are included in each of the 4 types of Water Rescue Incidents. Incident
Commanders should also insure that a request for King County Marine Unit to respond has
been initiated through King County Sheriff’s office.
Rescuers should consider the risk/benefit factor. A risk/benefit factor is a subjective decision
that weighs the benefits of what is to be gained versus what can be lost if the worst happens. If
the benefit is high and the risk is low, move forward with the rescue. If the risk is high to the
rescuers and the benefit is low, then consideration should be given to the appropriate action
plan that emphasizes maximum rescuer safety.
Options should be executed in order from low risk to high risk. “Reach-Throw-Row-Go-Helo”
shall be the proper order of execution to affect the rescue. If possible, Reach the victim with
whatever means possible. If the victim is too far out in the water to reach something, Throw, the
victim a throw bag or a flotation device. The victim should grab the rope but not wrap or tie it
around themselves, and the rescuer will pendulum belay the victim to shore in moving water. If
the victim cannot be reached by either of these methods, the Incident Commander should
consider waiting for Technical Water Rescue Resources to arrive before committing untrained
personnel to a rescue.
The remaining options are considered high-risk and require specialized technical training and
equipment. Row is the next rescue consideration and can be utilized based on the resources at
hand.. Prior to committing to the Go option, the risk/benefit factor should again be considered.
Helo or the use of a helicopter should be considered last. Aircraft from KCSO may be
requested, but with the knowledge that response times could be delayed.
ZONE 3
WATER RESCUE
JOB DESCRIPTIONS
INCIDENT COMMANDER
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SET UP A LOGICAL AND SAFE COMMAND POST.
CONDUCT SIZE-UP.
REQUEST OPERATIONAL TALK GROUP
DECLARE TYPE OF WATER RESCUE OPERATION: SALTWATER,
SWIFTWATER, DIVE, OR SURFACE.
 REQUEST RESPONSE FROM KCSO MARINE UNIT
ASSIGN AND DIRECT KEY POSITIONS AS NEEDED:
 OPERATIONS
 RESCUE GROUP SUPERVISOR
 SAFETY OFFICER
 STAGING OFFICER
 MEDICAL GROUP SUPERVISOR
LOCATE AND RETAIN A RESPONSIBLE PERSON FROM THE INCIDENT
SITE. (WITNESSES)
ESTABLISH CONTROL OF THE RESCUE SITE.
ENSURE THAT ALL EMPLOYEES NEAR WATER ARE WEARING PFD,
WITHOUT BUNKERS OR FIRE HELMET. EXCEPTION TO PFD: QUALIFIED
RESCUE SWIMMERS
DETERMINE RESOURCE NEEDS.
MEDIC UNIT / MSO / AMBULANCE
POLICE
EVALUATE SURVIVABILITY PROFILE (RESCUE OR RECOVERY).
ESTABLISH MUTUAL ACTION PLAN WITH OPERATIONS AND / OR RESCUE
GROUP SUPERVISOR.
STAGING AREA MANAGER
REPORTS TO INCIDENT COMMANDER
RESPONSIBLE FOR ALL CREWS IN STAGING AREA
COLLECT PASSPORTS & COORDINATE RESPONDING RESOURCES
DETERMINE CERTIFICATION LEVEL OF RESPONDERS
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TECHNICIAN TYPING
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SWRT
o
DIVE
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RESCUE SWIMMERS
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ROPE
o
BOAT
ALLOCATE RESOURCES AS REQUESTED BY INCIDENT COMMANDER
INSURE PERSONNEL REMAIN IN STAGING UNTIL REQUESTED
COORIDINATE WITH REHAB AND MEDICAL (IF ESTABLISHED)
RESCUE GROUP SUPERVISOR
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REPORT TO INCIDENT COMMANDER OR OPERATIONS.
WEAR APPROPRIATE PPE.
ESTABLISH MUTUAL INCIDENT ACTION PLAN WITH INCIDENT
COMMANDER.
LOCATE TO ENSURE A GOOD VIEW OF INCIDENT.
ASSIGN AND DIRECT KEY POSITIONS AS NEEDED:
 TECHNICAL SAFETY
 RIGGING TEAM LEADER
 RESCUE TEAM LEADER
 CONTAINMENT TEAM LEADER
MOBILIZE AND DEMOBILIZE TEAMS WHEN TASKS ARE COMPLETED.
ASSESS TEAM NEEDS AND COMMUNICATE TO OPERATIONS OR
INCIDENT COMMANDER.
COORDINATE ALL ASPECTS OF THE RESCUE AND REMOVAL OF THE
PATIENT AND PERSONNEL.
ASSURE BRIEFING OF ALL RESCUE TEAMS.
TECHNICAL SAFETY OFFICER
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REPORT DIRECTLY TO RESCUE GROUP SUPERVISOR.
WEAR APPROPRIATE PPE.
BE AWARE OF ACTION PLAN AND COMMAND STRUCTURE.
IDENTIFY POTENTIAL HAZARDS TO RESCUERS.
ENSURE THAT THERE IS AN UPSTREAM SPOTTER AND DOWNSTREAM
CONTAINMENT.
WORK CLOSELY WITH RIGGING AND RESCUE TEAM LEADER.
RESPONSIBLE FOR SAFETY CHECKING ALL TECHNICAL SYSTEMS.
RESPONSIBLE FOR THE OVERALL SAFETY OF TECHNICIAN LEVEL
ACTIVITIES.
RIGGING TEAM LEADER
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REPORT DIRECTLY TO RESCUE GROUP SUPERVISOR.
WEAR APPROPRIATE PPE.
DIRECT ALL RIGGING TEAMS IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF ROPE SYSTEMS
ON SITE.
ASSURE SAFETY AND ENGINEERING OF ANY ROPE RELATED SYSTEM.
COORDINATE RESCUE EQUIPMENT LOGISTICS.
ASSURE PROTECTION OF ALL ROPE SYSTEMS FROM MECHANICAL OR
CHEMICAL DAMAGE.
CONFIRM SYSTEMS CHECK WITH TECHNICAL SAFETY OFFICER.
COORDINATE USE OF RIGGING TEAMS IN OPERATING SYSTEMS.
FORMULATE EMERGENCY CONTINGENCY PLAN PRIOR TO OPERATION.
RIGGING TEAM
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REPORT DIRECTLY TO RIGGING TEAM LEADER.
WEAR APPROPRIATE PPE.
ASSEMBLE TECHNICAL ROPE SYSTEMS AS DIRECTED.
OPERATE RETRIEVAL SYSTEMS AS NECESSARY.
CONTAINMENT TEAM LEADER
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REPORT DIRECTLY TO RESCUE GROUP SUPERVISOR.
WEAR APPROPRIATE PPE.
ASSIGN/COORDINATE UPSTREAM SPOTTER AND DOWNSTREAM SAFETY
TEAMS.
ASSURE PROPER PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT AND TOOLS FOR THE TASK.
CONTINUALLY UPDATE TECHNICAL SAFETY AND RESCUE GROUP
SUPERVISOR OF CURRENT SAFETY ISSUES ON RIVER.
ACCOUNT FOR ALL ASSIGNED PERSONNEL.
REQUEST RESOURCES FROM THE RESCUE GROUP SUPERVISOR.
UPSTREAM SPOTTER
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REPORT DIRECTLY TO CONTAINMENT TEAM LEADER.
ENSURE PROPER PPE AND EQUIPMENT FOR TASK.
STOP ALL RIVER TRAFFIC ENTERING INTO THE RESCUE AREA.
WARN RESCUE TEAMS OF ITEMS THAT CANNOT BE STOPPED.
DOWNSTREAM SAFETY TEAMS
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REPORT DIRECTLY TO CONTAINMENT TEAM LEADER.
ENSURE PROPER PPE AND EQUIPMENT FOR TASK.
ENSURE THAT ANYONE IN THE WATER IS STOPPED BEFORE GOING BY
THE LAST CONTAINMENT TEAM.
RESCUE TEAM LEADER
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REPORT DIRECTLY TO RESCUE GROUP SUPERVISOR.
WEAR APPROPRIATE PPE.
ASSIGN/COORDINATE RESCUE SWIMMER TEAMS AND/OR BOAT TEAMS.
ASSURE PROPER PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT AND TOOLS FOR THE TASK.
CONTINUALLY UPDATE TECHNICAL SAFETY AND RESCUE GROUP
SUPERVISOR OF CURRENT SAFETY ISSUES ON RIVER.
ENSURE COMMUNICATION WITH SUPPORT TEAMS ON RIVER.
ACCOUNT FOR ALL ASSIGNED PERSONNEL.
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REQUEST RESOURCES FROM THE RESCUE GROUP SUPERVISOR.
CONTINUALLY EVALUATE FOR THE SIGNS OF FATIGUE AND
HYPOTHERMIA OF RESCUE TEAMS ROTATE TO REHAB FOR WARMING
AND REST IF NEEDED.
RESCUE SWIMMERS
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MEMBERS REPORT TO RESCUE TEAM LEADER.
WEAR APPROPRIATE PPE AND EQUIPMENT FOR THE TASK.
FIRST PRIORITY IS PERSONAL PROTECTION.
ENSURE COMMUNICATION WITH UPSTREAM SPOTTER.
BOAT TEAM
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MEMBERS REPORT TO RESCUE TEAM LEADER.
WILL CONTAIN AN OPERATOR AND RESCUE SWIMMERS.
WEAR APPROPRIATE PPE AND EQUIPMENT FOR TASK.
ENSURE COMMUNICATION WITH UPSTREAM SPOTTER.
COOPERATE AND PROVIDE SUPPORT FOR SPECIALISTS FROM OUTSIDE
AGENCIES.
TECHNICAL RESCUE
WATER RESCUE
ORGANIZATIONAL CHART
INCIDENT COMMANDER
___________________________
SAFETY
__________________________
STAGING
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PIO
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OPERATIONS
_____________________________
SUPPRESSION
OFFICER
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RESCUE GROUP
SUPERVISOR
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MEDICAL GROUP
SUPERVISOR
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TECHNICAL
SAFETY
________________________
CONTAINMENT TEAM LEADER
RESCUE TEAM LEADER
RIGGING TEAM LEADER
__________________________
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TEAM #1
SWIM TEAM
TEAM #1
TEAM #2
BOAT TEAM
TEAM #2
WATER RESCUE SCENE ASSESSMENT
DATE____________________
INCIDENT#______________________
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What is the location and condition of the victims? (if known)
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
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How many victims are there? __________________________________________
What is the last scene point? __________________________________________
Have the witnesses been retained and interviewed?
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Can voice communication be established with victim? YES or NO
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What hazards have been identified? ____________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
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Type of the water? LAKE (Static) RIVER (Low, Medium, High) SALTWATER
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What is the distance to the victims? _____________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
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What are the access options? _________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
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Are all necessary resources on the way or on location already? ________________
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Request the appropriate response:
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DIVE ( Dive Team resources only)
Swiftwater ( Dive Teams and Swiftwater Technicians)
Surface (Dive Teams, Swiftwater Teams, Rescue Swimmers)
Salt Water (Dive Teams and Marine 26)
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Is this a RESCUE or RECOVERY?
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Make the General Area Safe.
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RESCUE
or
RECOVERY
Declare the incident a water rescue operation.
Establish, Name and Locate Command Post
Establish Staging Area and Indentify Staging Area Manager
Ensure all employees near the water are wearing personal flotation devices.
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NOTES:
Utilize the lowest risk methods first: Reach-Throw-Row-Go-Helo