SRT Radio & Hand Signal Communication 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A hand signal where the rescuer crosses forearms overhead in an X pattern in swiftwater rescue means:
- Operation is going well
- Stop — do not proceed (Correct answer)
- Rope is ready to throw
- Evacuate the area
Correct answer: Stop — do not proceed
An X formed with crossed arms overhead is a universal 'stop' or 'no-go' signal used across rescue disciplines.
Question 2: In a noisy gorge rescue where radio and hand signals both fail, what is the next communication option?
- Use a megaphone or whistle code (Correct answer)
- Abandon the rescue until conditions improve
- Swim to the victim without coordination
- Rely only on visual observation without signals
Correct answer: Use a megaphone or whistle code
Whistles and megaphones are tertiary communication tools when radio and hand signals cannot bridge the distance or noise.
Question 3: What is the recommended radio check procedure before beginning a swiftwater rescue operation?
- Assume all radios work if batteries were charged last week
- Perform a radio check by transmitting to each team position and confirming receipt (Correct answer)
- Only check the IC's radio since others are secondary
- Radio checks are done only after the operation concludes
Correct answer: Perform a radio check by transmitting to each team position and confirming receipt
A pre-operation radio check confirms all team positions can communicate before lives depend on it.
Question 4: A whistle signal of three short blasts in swiftwater rescue typically indicates:
- All clear
- Rope is ready
- Emergency — need assistance (Correct answer)
- Boat approaching
Correct answer: Emergency — need assistance
Three short whistle blasts is an internationally recognized distress signal indicating need for immediate assistance.
Question 5: When coordinating a live-bait rescue via radio, what information must the upstream spotter relay to the downstream catcher?
- Only the swimmer's name and age
- Swimmer's position, movement, and estimated arrival time at downstream point (Correct answer)
- The swimmer's medical history
- Whether the victim is wearing a PFD color
Correct answer: Swimmer's position, movement, and estimated arrival time at downstream point
Upstream spotters relay position, drift, and timing so downstream catchers can anticipate the swimmer's arrival.
Question 6: Which hand signal alerts a boat crew that a swimmer is in the water and needs pickup?
- Fist raised overhead
- Pointing repeatedly toward the water with an urgent jabbing motion (Correct answer)
- Both arms extended horizontally
- Thumbs down
Correct answer: Pointing repeatedly toward the water with an urgent jabbing motion
Urgently pointing toward the water or the swimmer's location is the standard boat crew alert for a swimmer in need of rescue.
Question 7: What is 'radio discipline' in the context of swiftwater incident command?
- Keeping the radio on the highest volume at all times
- Minimizing unnecessary transmissions and keeping messages concise and clear (Correct answer)
- Only the IC is allowed to use the radio
- Transmitting continuously to maintain channel lock
Correct answer: Minimizing unnecessary transmissions and keeping messages concise and clear
Radio discipline means keeping transmissions brief, clear, and necessary to prevent channel congestion during emergencies.
SRT Radio & Hand Signal Communication 3
A hand signal where the rescuer crosses forearms overhead in an X pattern in swiftwater rescue means: