SRT Defensive & Aggressive Swimming 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: At what point should a swimmer transition from defensive to aggressive swimming position?
- Only when instructed by a shore-based rescuer via hand signals
- When clear of immediate hazards and a viable swim target — eddy, bank, or rescuer — is identified (Correct answer)
- Immediately upon entering the water regardless of river conditions
- After completing three full rotations in a hydraulic to build momentum
Correct answer: When clear of immediate hazards and a viable swim target — eddy, bank, or rescuer — is identified
The transition to aggressive swimming occurs when hazards are managed and a specific swim target has been identified, allowing directed effort toward self-rescue.
Question 2: How does a swimmer use their body to 'catch' an eddy while swimming?
- Stop all movement and allow the eddy current to passively pull them in
- Angle aggressively toward the eddy, driving their head and shoulders across the eddy fence to initiate the spin (Correct answer)
- Approach the eddy from directly downstream and swim straight up into it
- Tuck into a ball just upstream of the eddy to reduce speed before entry
Correct answer: Angle aggressively toward the eddy, driving their head and shoulders across the eddy fence to initiate the spin
To catch an eddy while swimming, angle hard toward it and drive your head and leading shoulder across the eddy fence; the current differential will pull the rest of your body in.
Question 3: Why is foot entrapment considered more dangerous than most other swiftwater swimming hazards?
- It always occurs in hydraulics where rescue is impossible
- The trapped swimmer's head is forced underwater by the current before they can react (Correct answer)
- Foot entrapment guarantees immediate loss of the PFD due to hydrodynamic forces
- It can only occur in Class V rapids where no rescue is feasible
Correct answer: The trapped swimmer's head is forced underwater by the current before they can react
When a foot entraps, the current's force instantly pushes the swimmer's body downstream and underwater, making it nearly impossible to self-rescue and extremely difficult for others to assist.
Question 4: Which scenario correctly identifies when defensive swimming position should be MAINTAINED rather than transitioning to aggressive?
- A wide, calm pool is visible 50 feet downstream with no obstacles
- A shore-based rescuer is extending a throw bag from river left
- A series of rocks and hydraulics are still visible immediately downstream (Correct answer)
- The swimmer has successfully exited a hydraulic and is in flatwater
Correct answer: A series of rocks and hydraulics are still visible immediately downstream
When multiple hazards remain immediately downstream, the swimmer should stay in defensive position with feet absorbing impacts until the hazard zone is cleared.
Question 5: What role do the arms play in the defensive swim position?
- Arms are kept tight to the body to reduce drag and increase downstream speed
- Arms are extended and used as outriggers to maintain stability and provide limited steering (Correct answer)
- Arms perform a backstroke to generate upstream-corrective movement
- Arms are crossed over the chest to protect the PFD buckles from impact
Correct answer: Arms are extended and used as outriggers to maintain stability and provide limited steering
In defensive position, arms are extended laterally to act as outriggers for stability and can be used for limited sculling to steer away from hazards.
Question 6: A swiftwater rescue trainee asks why toes should be kept at or near the surface in defensive position. What is the correct explanation?
- Surface-level toes reduce overall drag by keeping legs from acting as a sea anchor
- Toes at the surface maximize the visual warning of obstacles seen by shore rescuers
- Feet near the surface are more likely to bounce off rocks rather than catch underneath them (Correct answer)
- Surface toes help the swimmer transition to vertical more quickly when needed
Correct answer: Feet near the surface are more likely to bounce off rocks rather than catch underneath them
Keeping toes near the surface means feet skim over or bounce off submerged rocks rather than lodging beneath them, dramatically reducing foot entrapment risk.
Question 7: In flood conditions with debris-laden water, how does aggressive swimming technique need to be modified?
- Increase stroke rate significantly to outswim all floating debris
- Reduce head-up sighting intervals to conserve energy for longer swims
- Continuously scan for debris collisions and be prepared to push off or dodge floating objects (Correct answer)
- Adopt a purely defensive posture for the entire swim regardless of available rescue points
Correct answer: Continuously scan for debris collisions and be prepared to push off or dodge floating objects
Flood debris requires constant vigilance even during aggressive swimming; the swimmer must be ready to deflect, dodge, or use debris for support while continuing toward a rescue point.
SRT Defensive & Aggressive Swimming 3
At what point should a swimmer transition from defensive to aggressive swimming position?