RRC Rope Systems & Throw Bag Techniques

Question 1

What is the primary purpose of a throw bag in swiftwater rescue?

Accepted Answer

To deliver a rope quickly to a swimmer in distress

Answer

A throw bag allows rescuers to rapidly deploy a rope to a victim in moving water so the victim can be pulled to safety.

Question 2

When throwing a rescue bag to a victim, what should the rescuer always hold onto before releasing the throw?

Accepted Answer

The free end of the rope

Answer

The rescuer must grip the free end of the rope before throwing so the rope pays out of the bag and a connection is maintained to shore.

Question 3

What type of rope construction is most commonly specified for rescue throw bags because it minimizes stretch and floats on water?

Accepted Answer

Polypropylene braid

Answer

Polypropylene braid is standard for throw bags because it floats, is highly visible, and has low stretch for efficient pulling.

Question 4

What is the 'pendulum effect' in a throw bag rescue?

Accepted Answer

The rope swinging the victim into an eddy or the shore as current acts on the rope

Answer

When a victim grabs the rope, current acting on the rope swings them like a pendulum toward the downstream shore or eddy where the rescuer is anchored.

Question 5

What is the recommended maximum functional rope length for a standard river rescue throw bag used in Class III–IV conditions?

Accepted Answer

25 meters (80 feet)

Answer

A 25-meter (80-foot) rope is the standard because longer ropes are difficult to repack quickly and create entanglement risk on fast rivers.

RRC - River Rescue Certification Practice Test

RRC - River Rescue Certification Practice Test

RRC Rope Systems & Throw Bag Techniques