ACA Rescue Techniques & Swift Water Flashcards
6 cards from real ACA practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 ACA Rescue Techniques & Swift Water flashcards as text
What is the purpose of a 'pin kit' in ACA swift water rescue instruction?
Answer: A set of tools including pulleys, carabiners, and rope systems used to extract pinned boats
A pin kit contains mechanical advantage systems (pulleys, carabiners, ropes) used to extract kayaks or canoes that have become pinned against rocks in current.
In ACA swift water rescue, what does a 'Z-drag' system accomplish?
Answer: A pulley system providing approximately 3:1 mechanical advantage to extract pinned boats
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.
What is the ACA-recommended action when a paddler's foot becomes entrapped in a river?
Answer: Lean downstream, go limp, and try to float feet-first to free the foot
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.
What is 'vector pull' as a rescue technique in ACA swift water instruction?
Answer: Applying lateral force to a taut rope perpendicular to the main load to create mechanical advantage
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.
During a capsize in a closed cockpit kayak, what is the ACA-recommended first action?
Answer: Attempt a wet or hand roll before wet-exiting
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.
What is a 'contact rescue' in ACA swift water terminology?
Answer: A rescue where the rescuer physically contacts the victim to provide support or extraction
A contact rescue involves direct physical contact between the rescuer and victim, typically in situations where a reach, throw, or boat rescue was insufficient.