SRT Rope Systems and Throw Bags 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the minimum recommended throw bag rope length for swiftwater rescue operations?
- 25 feet
- 50 feet (Correct answer)
- 75 feet
- 100 feet
Correct answer: 50 feet
50 feet is the standard minimum length that provides adequate reach across most river widths while remaining manageable for a rescuer.
Question 2: When coiling a throw bag rope for re-use after a rescue attempt, which method is preferred?
- Butterfly coil
- Daisy-chain coil
- Stuff it loosely back into the bag (Correct answer)
- Figure-eight coil
Correct answer: Stuff it loosely back into the bag
Loosely stuffing the rope back into the bag prevents kinks and tangles, allowing it to deploy smoothly on the next throw.
Question 3: What rope characteristic is most important for swiftwater throw bag lines?
- High stretch (elastic) for shock absorption
- Low stretch and high buoyancy (Correct answer)
- Heavy diameter for added weight
- Dark color for visibility at night
Correct answer: Low stretch and high buoyancy
Low-stretch, buoyant rope ensures the line floats on the surface for the victim to grab and minimizes energy transfer shock during a pendulum rescue.
Question 4: A rescuer is positioned on shore and throws a bag to a swimmer. After the victim grabs the rope, the rescuer should:
- Pull the victim straight upstream against the current
- Let the victim swing to shore in a pendulum arc (Correct answer)
- Immediately wrap the rope around a tree to lock it
- Drop the rope and wade in to assist
Correct answer: Let the victim swing to shore in a pendulum arc
Allowing the current to swing the victim to shore in a pendulum arc uses the river's energy efficiently and reduces strain on both rescuer and victim.
Question 5: Which knot is most commonly used to tie two throw bag ropes together end-to-end for extended reach?
- Bowline
- Double fisherman's knot (Correct answer)
- Clove hitch
- Water knot
Correct answer: Double fisherman's knot
The double fisherman's knot creates a secure, compact connection between two rope ends that resists loosening under load.
Question 6: What minimum breaking strength (MBS) is recommended for throw bag ropes used in swiftwater rescue?
- 500 lbs
- 1,000 lbs
- 2,200 lbs (Correct answer)
- 4,400 lbs
Correct answer: 2,200 lbs
A minimum breaking strength of 2,200 lbs (1 kN per pound rating standard) ensures the rope withstands dynamic loads during pendulum rescues.
Question 7: 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?
- Stand upright with arms extended
- Sit down facing upstream with feet braced (Correct answer)
- Wrap the rope around their waist
- Lean forward toward the water
Correct answer: Sit down facing upstream with feet braced
Sitting with feet braced against a solid anchor lowers the center of gravity and provides a stable platform to absorb the shock load when the victim swings on the line.
SRT Rope Systems and Throw Bags 1
What is the minimum recommended throw bag rope length for swiftwater rescue operations?