Water Rescue PPE for Coastguard Rescue Officers

When it comes to water rescues as CROs we have many techniques and various pieces of equipment at our disposal to carry out effective rescues of casualties who are in or around water.

First and foremost, we always want to talk to the Casualty who’s in the water. Giving verbal encouragement or instructions to assist themselves, e.g. “swim to me”, “hold onto that”, “reach for the throw line.”

Where possible the rescuer stays on safe ground and uses recognised equipment to reach towards the casualty and pull them to safety, e.g., pole, torpedo buoy.

In terms of the PPE that CROs use when operating near water. We always ensure that we are wearing overalls or wet weather gear depending on the conditions, boots, helmet (with head torch), life jacket, and throw line. This is the minimum when operating near the waters edge or carrying out any task that involves water or the potential for entering the water. If we’ve been called to a Casualty on the beach and the tides coming in, we will always ensure we are wearing the above PPE to ensure our safety and that of the Casualties.

In the event of having to enter the water we can carry out an immediate rescue also known as a snatch rescue. A snatch rescue is an appropriate immediate rescue technique to use when time is of the essence and the casualty can be recovered within 5 minutes of a CRO, or CROs being immersed in water.

With any water rescue there are real risks operating in this kind environment including slips, trips and falls, being pulled into the water by the flow/conditions and swept away, or even being pulled in or under by the casualty which can all lead to drowning or injury.

Equipment required to carry out a snatch rescue consists of the followed. For the rescuer entering the water, water Rescue Lifejackets or PFD, Floating Line or throwlines.

For the shore team, lifejackets or PFD and throwlines.

We will always, where possible wear a drysuit as an extra layer of protection for the rescuer to protect us from the elements and ensure we as the rescuers don’t become a casualty ourselves.

When knowingly having to enter the water the equipment we would use is as followed

Drysuit, boots, PFD, helmet and throw line. The rescuer entering the water would be attached to a thrownline or floating line to the shore crew. Once they have made contact with the Casualty they will signal back to the shore crew to recover them by pulling in the throwline or floating line.

It takes only 15cm of water for you to be potentially swept off your feet, so never underestimate the power of water. Even water that looks calm and still has potential dangers.

🛟 Tip 1

Check the weather and tides

Do not get caught out by the conditions.

🛟 Tip 2

Carry a means of calling for help

For example a mobile phone in a waterproof pouch, a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) or VHF/DSC radio.

🛟 Tip 3

Download the SafeTrx app

Let your loved ones know where you are and gain quick access to emergency services.

🛟 Tip 4

Share your plans

Tell someone where you are going and what time you'll be back, if you do not return as planned they can raise the alarm.

🛟 Tip 5

Remember Float to Live

If you find yourself in trouble in the water, relax and float on your back like a starfish.

If you see someone in trouble in the water call 999 and ask for the Coastguard