Working near / over Water

[hedgesparrow]

if you can not secure a lifeline rope to other bank. then as other posts get inflatable buoyancy aids from a proper chandler. explain or better go in with what you are going to wear. have a C02 one so you can pull it to inflate so less bulky.

was going on but then had a thought go and speak to the local fire and rescue water boys get there advice trained on this all the time. and not a bad idear have a inflatable rib with outboard down stream as a rescue craft.

as for the trees other posts a small bit of tree in a river becomes a lot hevier .

had a situation long time AGO unblocking a river line across river chap pulled on what was a small branch was a 6ft christmas tree it moved and pulled him off his feet luckily i grabbed his coat and hung on untill he let go of tree it shot down river coming up 200yrds down stream could of been him if i had not grabbed him and he let go. water has no freinds so be careful. go OTT with what you do to be safe

[TGB]

If you have a throw bag at the ready, better make sure all know the basics of using one and have had some practice in the use thereof.

 

If you do go for wearing BAs, be aware:

-If they're foam filled, they need to have not only a zip but a lower chest/waist strap with quick release buckle. And this needs to fit below ribs level.

-If it's the self-inflating type - it should be noted that the auto activation of the air capsule, is designed to work when immersed in salt water. Fresh water will not trigger the capsule. So the toggled cord has would have to be pulled. If the swimmer is unconscious in the water, this is not going to happen.

-Sailing type BAs are designed to float a person face-up. Paddling/adventure type BAs are not designed to float a person face-up. They're designed to bring you to the surface and keep you there.

-If a person is wearing a paddling/adventure type BA, is in the water and is face-down but on the surface. There's the very real chance that they may be unconscious or concussed. In which case, they're not going to be grabbing for any thrown line.

-The only time a person on the dry-side should be anchored to an immovable object, is if they're wearing a full rescue vest BA and they know how the chain of rescue works. They would also require a second standing close by.

-Anchoring someone wearing an ordinary BA, will only endanger their life if things go wrong. And thus have a knock-on effect for the person in the water.

 

Some things to remember when using a throw bag:

-Do not tie a loop at the end. A small loop could ensnare a hand. A big loop could ensnare a head.

-Never throw the bag over-arm, as this could snag the line in overhanging branches.

-Never throw the bag in a discus manner - it's not a completion for range.

-Always throw the bag under-arm and aim to get the line in front of the person or where it will flow into their reach.

-Do not aim to hit the swimmer's head, even if they are wearing a helmet.

-If the first throw lands the line off target and a second throw is needed. There will not be the time to repackage the bag with line. Instead, loosely loop the retrieved line in the non throwing hand, immerse the bag in the water to fill said bag; now throw the water filled bag toward the target area. Yes, water will escape from bag mid flight but it will drag the line out of the thrower's other hand.

-Obvious but worth remembering. While throwing the bag with one hand, it is vital to also be holding the other end of the line in the non throwing hand. Forgetting in practice may be deemed to be funny amongst friends. Forgetting in time of rescue, is in no way funny!

-If but a new throw bag for the job or for any potential water rescue for that matter. Always give it a dummy throw on dry land. After removing sales labels, a throw bag should be ready for use but make sure it is, before you really need it.

-When repacking the line, never coil it and then put it back into the bag. Best method for repacking, is to Z-fold it into the palm of one hand in small bunches. Then push each handful into the base of the bag. Continue Z-folding small bunches and pushing into bag until only the last 30cm. remain. Then secure the closure with the Velcro strap.

-If you have the bag, make sure it's easily to hand. Having to get it from a locked vehicle instead of readily having it to hand, is the difference between life and death.

 

 

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[woody paul]

Not easily, it's private properties on the other side and I doubt they would be too keen with that.

 

Just ask them and see what they say, as they live near the river the should realize the danger working near a river if they say NO then try same thing else.

[TGB]

Couple of things I forgot to mention about rescue and lines:

-If during the rescue the line were to become tangled around the swimmer's neck, release the line immediately. If the person drowns, resus may be possible. If the person dies from strangulation, resus is going to be problematic.

-Never wrap line around limb or body. You have to ask yourself the question, "Do I want to continue using that part of my body?" If the answer is 'yes', don't body-wrap line.

 

 

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[Parker]

Cheers for all the comments.

 

Hadn't thought about the extra drag on the limbs as pulled from the river.

 

Was thinking that the person tying the limbs on would be wearing a buoyancy aid with a rescue line ready if necessary.

 

Might also look at setting up a safety line that you can clip onto when working near the edge, similar to those on ships.

[arbogrunt]

just get your speedo's and snorkelling kit on and go for it mate!

[arbogrunt]

I had to fell these dead willows in a lake a few years ago. They were near a footpath on a nature reserve. Access was by boat and I wore a lifejacket, it was interesting...as was the risk assessment!

[jltree]

I had to fell these dead willows in a lake a few years ago. They were near a footpath on a nature reserve. Access was by boat and I wore a lifejacket, it was interesting...as was the risk assessment!

 

we do alot for EA and have to do Rescue 3 swiftwater training or your not allowed within 2m of waters edge

[AlexB]

Where are you based Parker?

 

 

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[Parker]

Where are you based Parker?

 

 

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Newbury, Berkshire