Throw Bag
Our trip leader provided us an opportunity to practice a swift-water rescue last weekend. I had my Throw Bag handy, and used it for the first time in a real situation. I make it a point to practice with it several times each year, and carry it with me on every trip. They are an important safety and rescue tool.
Fearless leader got his boat stuck on a sweeper. After we retrieved his boat, he was still left in the lurch. I've always wanted to know what a lurch looked like.
I had attempted to swim out to Kent at first, but the current was too swift, and too deep and I was in danger of being swept off my feet and downriver, so I backed up to where I was on solid footing, and John could anchor the end of the rope and we could work together.
John Ohrt anchored the end of the Throw Rope, while I shucked the throw bag out upstream of Kent, and it drifted down to where he could catch it. I learned that technique during a practice rescue a couple of years ago when I beaned the supposed victim square in the face with the throw bag. Then he really was a victim. You should aim to put the bag BEYOND THE VICTIM, AND UPSTREAM, so the throw rope and bag drift down to the victim.
This time, the rope, the bag, the current, and Kent all cooperated to bring off a smooth rescue. John and I pulled Kent upstream from the sweeper, and avoided getting him all tangled in any more of the tree's branches and roots
The situation was pretty much under control at this point. Kent was still in deep water, and could be swept away, but we were almost done.
A successful and happy conclusion to the rescue!
Another point I should make, is that my throw rope is 3/8 inch braided nylon, so it is easy on fingers and hands. I've seen plenty of throw ropes that are quarter inch or less, “clothesline” type ropes, to save on space and weight. But when you are pulling a grown man, or some boats out of swift-water, you want some rope that won't cut through your hands, and that provide a substantial surface to hold on to. Also, the victim may have difficulty holding on to a smaller rope with fingers that are cramping or cold.
If you plan on doing much paddling, you should get a Throw Bag and carry it with you.
AND YOU SHOULD PRACTICE WITH IT! SEVERAL TIMES EVERY YEAR!
As mentioned in this story, I found out I should aim substantially beyond the victim, and upstream, so the throw rope drifts down to where they can reach it. Not throwing it far enough, or throwing it downstream, so it drifts out of reach, or even hitting the victim with the throw bag DO NOT HELP, and even make the situation worse.
Stay safe out there! And See You On The Water!