The purpose of the TSAR Swiftwater Unit is to act as a resource for rescues that occur in water. The TSAR Swiftwater Unit will be knowledgeable in safety procedures pertaining to rescue in aquatic, and particularly river systems. The Unit will be capable of operating the equipment necessary for completing a rescue in or in proximity to water. The TSAR Swiftwater Unit will maintain a basic knowledge of medical emergencies common to water-related injuries. The TSAR Swiftwater Unit will acknowledge and respect the potential danger that is inherent in working in and near water and pledge to keep themselves and their teammates safe.
MEMBERSHIP REQUIREMENTS
Members of the TSAR Swiftwater Unit will be expected to attend regular meetings both in the field and in the classroom, pertaining to Swiftwater safety and rescue techniques. Members of the Unit must complete a Swiftwater Technician Certification before being allowed to participate in active missions in a boat or the water.
TRAINING
The TSAR Swiftwater Unit will train as a Unit in the field and/or classroom every other week from March to November, on a day decided by the availability of Unit Members. Classroom training will take place once a month in December, January, and February. The Swiftwater Unit will train at least once a year with the Technical Rescue Unit, the K9 Unit, and the Medical Unit. Through training with these other units, the Swiftwater Unit will be expected to learn: technical rope setups applicable to river rescues; practice working with the K9 unit in boats and onshore, and become familiar with common-related injuries, including drowning and hypothermia, and what basic care is required.
EQUIPMENT
There are extensive equipment needs for the TSAR Swiftwater Unit to be operational, including personal protective gear and team rescue gear. TSAR will provide watercraft and technical rescue gear (including throw bags and ropes/pulleys for Z-drag and Tyrolean systems). Some personal protective gear may be available through TSAR (e.g. helmets and PFDs). However, it is recommended that Unit Members eventually purchase their own helmets, whistles, personal floatation device (PFDs), and wet/dry suits if they plan on working in the water.
SPECIALTY UNITS
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Any person working directly in the water will be a strong swimmer.
No individual on or acting with the/Swiftwater Unit will ever be required to perform an action that they feel unqualified for, or that otherwise makes them feel unsafe.
To learn more about working in the Swiftwater Unit, download the Swiftwater Unit Guidelines below. See the Join Us page for more information about joining Taos Search and Rescue.
