ACA ACA Rescue Techniques & Swift Water 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the ACA-recommended defensive swimming position in moving water?
- Face down, swimming aggressively toward shore
- On your back, feet downstream, toes up, arms out for steering (Correct answer)
- On your side, kicking toward the nearest eddy
- Vertical position, treading water and waiting for rescue
Correct answer: On your back, feet downstream, toes up, arms out for steering
The ACA defensive swim position is on your back with feet downstream and toes at the surface to fend off rocks, while using arms to steer toward safety.
Question 2: What is the correct technique for throwing a throw bag to a swimmer in distress?
- Throw the bag directly at the swimmer's head to ensure accuracy
- Throw the bag slightly past or to the swimmer, calling out a warning, so they can grab the rope (Correct answer)
- Release the rope end first, then throw the bag
- Always use an underhanded toss for maximum distance
Correct answer: Throw the bag slightly past or to the swimmer, calling out a warning, so they can grab the rope
The thrower should aim slightly past the swimmer and call out a warning so the swimmer can grab the trailing rope as it sweeps past them.
Question 3: What is a 'live bait' rescue technique in ACA swift water instruction?
- Using fish to lure a swimmer toward shore
- A rescuer swims out attached to a rope to reach a swimmer unable to self-rescue (Correct answer)
- Deploying a kayak into the current without a paddler to retrieve a swimmer
- Signaling downstream teams using a rope line as a visual marker
Correct answer: A rescuer swims out attached to a rope to reach a swimmer unable to self-rescue
In a live bait rescue, a rescuer wears a PFD and attaches to a safety rope, then enters the water to physically reach a swimmer who cannot self-rescue.
Question 4: According to ACA rescue priority, what is the FIRST option a rescuer should consider?
- Go: swim to the victim
- Throw: toss a rope or flotation device from shore
- Reach: extend a paddle, rope, or arm from shore without entering the water (Correct answer)
- Tow: use a kayak to tow the swimmer in
Correct answer: Reach: extend a paddle, rope, or arm from shore without entering the water
The ACA rescue priority hierarchy begins with Reach — extending something from shore without rescuer contact with the water, minimizing risk to the rescuer.
Question 5: What is 'boat-based rescue' in ACA swift water instruction?
- Towing the swimmer's empty kayak to shore
- Using a kayak or canoe to approach and assist a swimmer in moving water (Correct answer)
- Dropping an anchor to stop boat drift during rescue
- Using a motorized craft to retrieve swimmers
Correct answer: Using a kayak or canoe to approach and assist a swimmer in moving water
Boat-based rescue involves paddling a kayak or canoe to a swimmer's position in moving water to provide assistance, often by having the swimmer hold onto the stern or bow.
Question 6: Why is the 'pendulum effect' important to understand when using a throw rope in current?
- It causes the rope to tangle unless thrown in an overhand motion
- The current swings the swimmer on the rope toward the shore where the rescuer stands (Correct answer)
- The pendulum effect is a dangerous feature to avoid in rope rescues
- It describes the motion the thrower uses to generate throwing distance
Correct answer: The current swings the swimmer on the rope toward the shore where the rescuer stands
The pendulum effect causes the current to swing the swimmer on the end of the rope in an arc toward the bank where the rescuer is anchored, automatically drawing them to safety.
ACA ACA Rescue Techniques & Swift Water 1
What is the ACA-recommended defensive swimming position in moving water?