SRT Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield SRT facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. What is a tethered swimmer used for in rescue operations? → To approach victims while connected to a rope system
2. A SRT professional encounters an unfamiliar situation while performing mechanical advantage & z-drag duties. What is the most appropriate first action? → Consult relevant standards, guidelines, or a qualified supervisor before proceeding
3. What is a strainer in a river environment? → An obstruction that lets water through but traps solids
4. When setting a rope across a river as a tag line, the rope should be rigged: → Angled downstream and sagging slightly above the water
5. Which quality assurance method is most commonly applied in inflatable & rigid hull boats to verify that SRT professional standards are being met? → Structured audits, peer reviews, and performance metrics aligned with industry benchmarks
6. When rescuing a victim in a hydraulic (hole), a throw bag should be aimed: → Just downstream of the hydraulic's boil line
7. Which knot is most commonly used to tie two throw bag ropes together end-to-end for extended reach? → Double fisherman's knot
8. A SRT professional encounters an unfamiliar situation while performing upstream & downstream hazard id duties. What is the most appropriate first action? → Consult relevant standards, guidelines, or a qualified supervisor before proceeding
9. What rope material is most commonly used for swiftwater rescue throw bags due to its buoyancy and low water absorption? → Polypropylene
10. A SRT professional encounters an unfamiliar situation while performing defensive & aggressive swimming duties. What is the most appropriate first action? → Consult relevant standards, guidelines, or a qualified supervisor before proceeding
11. A SRT professional encounters an unfamiliar situation while performing inflatable & rigid hull boats duties. What is the most appropriate first action? → Consult relevant standards, guidelines, or a qualified supervisor before proceeding
12. A rescuer is about to throw a bag to a victim but the victim is unconscious. What technique should be used instead? → Transition to a contact rescue by a tethered swimmer
13. When a rescuer holds a throw rope and a victim grabs it in fast current, what position should the rescuer adopt to manage the load? → Sit down facing upstream with feet braced
14. Which quality assurance method is most commonly applied in hydraulics & river classification to verify that SRT professional standards are being met? → Structured audits, peer reviews, and performance metrics aligned with industry benchmarks
15. What is the primary ethical obligation of a SRT professional when a conflict of interest arises during inflatable & rigid hull boats activities? → Disclose the conflict to all relevant parties and recuse from the decision if necessary
16. A SRT professional encounters an unfamiliar situation while performing pfd & dry suit selection duties. What is the most appropriate first action? → Consult relevant standards, guidelines, or a qualified supervisor before proceeding
17. A SRT professional encounters an unfamiliar situation while performing hydraulics & river classification duties. What is the most appropriate first action? → Consult relevant standards, guidelines, or a qualified supervisor before proceeding
18. What is the first step in the Incident Command System (ICS)? → Establish command
19. Which of the following is a fundamental principle of inflatable & rigid hull boats as it applies to Swiftwater Rescue Technician Certification? → Systematic evaluation and adherence to established industry standards
20. Which throw bag deployment technique is best when the victim is close and time is critical? → Coiled underhand with bag held in non-throwing hand
21. A SRT professional encounters an unfamiliar situation while performing radio & hand signal communication duties. What is the most appropriate first action? → Consult relevant standards, guidelines, or a qualified supervisor before proceeding
22. A SRT professional encounters an unfamiliar situation while performing rapid trauma assessment duties. What is the most appropriate first action? → Consult relevant standards, guidelines, or a qualified supervisor before proceeding
23. Which quality assurance method is most commonly applied in upstream & downstream hazard id to verify that SRT professional standards are being met? → Structured audits, peer reviews, and performance metrics aligned with industry benchmarks
24. Which of the following is a fundamental principle of radio & hand signal communication as it applies to Swiftwater Rescue Technician Certification? → Systematic evaluation and adherence to established industry standards
25. When coiling a throw bag rope for re-use after a rescue attempt, which method is preferred? → Stuff it loosely back into the bag
26. Why are drysuits or wetsuits important in swiftwater rescue? → To prevent hypothermia in cold water
27. What is the role of the Safety Officer in ICS? → Ensure responder safety and risk mitigation
28. What is the term for water moving faster around a bend? → Centrifugal flow
29. What is the primary ethical obligation of a SRT professional when a conflict of interest arises during defensive & aggressive swimming activities? → Disclose the conflict to all relevant parties and recuse from the decision if necessary
30. Which of the following is a fundamental principle of mechanical advantage & z-drag as it applies to Swiftwater Rescue Technician Certification? → Systematic evaluation and adherence to established industry standards