Practice Test Geeks(ACA) American Canoe Association Instructor Certification Practice Test
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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

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

    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.

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

    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.

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

    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.

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

    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.

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

    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.

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

    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.