CRSAR has 12 members trained to perform swiftwater and flood rescues. Swiftwater rescue takes specialized training and equipment and regular practice in our local waters to remain familiar with the terrain and updated on the ever changing list of hazards that can be found on a river.

Rescuers wear a drysuit, gloves, helmet, PFD, and footwear designed for a swiftwater environment. Inflatable kayaks are used to travel downstream or cross a river and can be deflated and rolled up if being transported by helicopter for remote area access.

Specialized rope rescue equipment is used to facilitate river crossings and subject recovery. Ropes are designed to float and are narrower to reduce resistance when in the water. Connectors and other devices are made of aluminum to keep weight down and make transport and swimming easier.

While a frozen lake or pond is not commonly found in our area, the farther from the ocean and the higher into the mountains you climb, the more likely ice will be found. Due to our short and mild winter season, the ice that forms is rarely of suitable thickness to conduct any sort of activities. Many people check for ice thickness by mistakenly walking out onto the ice, then bouncing in place a few times to declare the ice to be safe. For this reason, we have pursued training in ice rescue techniques.