ACA ACA Rescue Techniques & Swift Water

Question 1

What is the ACA-recommended defensive swimming position in moving water?

Accepted Answer

On your back, feet downstream, toes up, arms out for steering

Answer

Face down, swimming aggressively toward shore

Answer

On your side, kicking toward the nearest eddy

Answer

Vertical position, treading water and waiting for rescue

Question 2

What is the correct technique for throwing a throw bag to a swimmer in distress?

Accepted Answer

Throw the bag slightly past or to the swimmer, calling out a warning, so they can grab the rope

Answer

Throw the bag directly at the swimmer's head to ensure accuracy

Answer

Release the rope end first, then throw the bag

Answer

Always use an underhanded toss for maximum distance

Question 3

What is a 'live bait' rescue technique in ACA swift water instruction?

Accepted Answer

A rescuer swims out attached to a rope to reach a swimmer unable to self-rescue

Answer

Using fish to lure a swimmer toward shore

Answer

Deploying a kayak into the current without a paddler to retrieve a swimmer

Answer

Signaling downstream teams using a rope line as a visual marker

Question 4

According to ACA rescue priority, what is the FIRST option a rescuer should consider?

Accepted Answer

Reach: extend a paddle, rope, or arm from shore without entering the water

Answer

Go: swim to the victim

Answer

Throw: toss a rope or flotation device from shore

Answer

Tow: use a kayak to tow the swimmer in

Question 5

What is 'boat-based rescue' in ACA swift water instruction?

Accepted Answer

Using a kayak or canoe to approach and assist a swimmer in moving water

Answer

Towing the swimmer's empty kayak to shore

Answer

Dropping an anchor to stop boat drift during rescue

Answer

Using a motorized craft to retrieve swimmers

Question 6

Why is the 'pendulum effect' important to understand when using a throw rope in current?

Accepted Answer

The current swings the swimmer on the rope toward the shore where the rescuer stands

Answer

It causes the rope to tangle unless thrown in an overhand motion

Answer

The pendulum effect is a dangerous feature to avoid in rope rescues

Answer

It describes the motion the thrower uses to generate throwing distance