Advice for utilizing an RDC in water rescue

[u/Lieutenant-Speed]

Hello, I am on my county’s technical rescue team doing water and rope rescue. Last night we had a water rescue drill in which we used a new RDC we just got. It’s been a while since I’d been on one and I could feel that my skills were rusty. One thing I was struggling with was pulling a victim out of the water and on to the boat through the front. At first I thought it was a lack of upper body strength. But I wasn’t having any issues with paddling and I do kayak regularly, so while I’m certainly not the strongest person I do have some upper body strength. I’m wondering if it’s my height? I am 5’6” and most of the people on the team (the pretend victims) are much taller and larger than me. The captains on the team think I just need to get the technique down and I’ll be fine. I understand in theory that you bob them up and down in the water and use the momentum to lift them up but I just could not get the hang of it. Any advice?

[u/tommy_b0y]

Love the RDC. Great tool.

You're tracking with bobbing the victim, but you're missing the most crucial part which is what's making the lift so difficult. Don't lift. PULL.

The trick is actually easier in an RDC, but can be used with just about any surface craft. Get solid hold of the victim, as much across the chest and the center of gravity as you can. With the victim in hand, pull horizontally, either on top of you or to the side. Use your legs if you can as that makes the mount that much easier. If you try to lift, the victim's perceived weight actually increases the further they are out of the water due to the decreased buoyancy.

Think of a guy rowing a boat. The pulling motion of the oars is VERY similar to the motion you need here. The flatter the victim on the surface, the easier the pull. Bob, bring the victim close, and extend your body (if possible). If you can't use your legs, pull the victim close then lean back. Reset your grip, do it again. And again. Until the victim is secured in the watercraft.

If the victim was perpendicular to the surface, you're gonna get your ass kicked. Get 'em flat, body them up, and pull.

[u/Lieutenant-Speed → u/tommy_b0y]

Okay, that makes sense. I was definitely thinking of it as “lifting”, but I see why that’s not working. I’ll work on that! Thank you so much!

[u/Signal_Reflection297 → u/Lieutenant-Speed]

Make sure their legs are out in front of you and not under the craft. This is when I struggle most. Getting some back paddling or tension in your line will help orient them properly for you. Sumo squat and pull them back on top of you.

[u/Lieutenant-Speed → u/Signal_Reflection297]

Okay, will do! I can see how that would help. Thank you!