ACA ACA Rescue Techniques & Swift Water 2

Question 1

What is the purpose of a 'pin kit' in ACA swift water rescue instruction?

Accepted Answer

A set of tools including pulleys, carabiners, and rope systems used to extract pinned boats

Answer

A pin kit contains mechanical advantage systems (pulleys, carabiners, ropes) used to extract kayaks or canoes that have become pinned against rocks in current.

Question 2

In ACA swift water rescue, what does a 'Z-drag' system accomplish?

Accepted Answer

A pulley system providing approximately 3:1 mechanical advantage to extract pinned boats

Answer

A Z-drag is a simple rope and pulley system that provides approximately 3:1 mechanical advantage, making it much easier to extract a pinned boat from powerful current.

Question 3

What is the ACA-recommended action when a paddler's foot becomes entrapped in a river?

Accepted Answer

Lean downstream, go limp, and try to float feet-first to free the foot

Answer

A foot-entrapment victim should lean downstream with the current and go limp to reduce pressure and use the flow to help free the trapped foot rather than fighting against it.

Question 4

What is 'vector pull' as a rescue technique in ACA swift water instruction?

Accepted Answer

Applying lateral force to a taut rope perpendicular to the main load to create mechanical advantage

Answer

A vector pull applies force perpendicular to a taut line, using the geometry of the angle to multiply pulling force and redirect a pinned boat without a separate pulley system.

Question 5

During a capsize in a closed cockpit kayak, what is the ACA-recommended first action?

Accepted Answer

Attempt a wet or hand roll before wet-exiting

Answer

ACA teaches paddlers to first attempt a roll to right the kayak before wet-exiting, preserving the paddler's position in the boat and avoiding unnecessary swimming.

(ACA) American Canoe Association Instructor Certification Practice Test

(ACA) American Canoe Association Instructor Certification Practice Test

ACA ACA Rescue Techniques & Swift Water 2