Packrafting Academy

Accident Case Report Series Vol.6  | MRS Paddling Academy

Posted on by admin
22
Nov

Level-Exceeding Rafting — The Moment of Amnesia (Part 2

Player Ziyang participated in a rafting event early on during a boating expedition. 

Although the event had adequate rescue personnel on the day to ensure safety, the site lacked a complete rescue system.  

He was the first to take the risk by entering a section of the river with a large drop and high challenge.

When rafting to the second step of the rapids, due to a lack of skill and the strong current, he was swept overboard and struck his head, causing temporary unconsciousness and amnesia. 

Fortunately, a rescue rope bag was available on the shore, and a water-based rescue team arrived in time. Ziyang was ultimately rescued and brought to shore. 

However, the rescue process had significant issues that impacted both its efficiency and safety.

mrs-paddling-academy-accident-case-report-series-vol-5

Click to view the full recap of the previous event.

In this issue, we will continue to analyze the event and provide a “rescue” related instructional segment.

  • 【 Key Points for this Issue 】
  • Rescue
  • Throwing the Rope Bag

Ziyang

  • Chinese National Rowing Team Translator
  • Honorary Coach at MRS Paddling Academy
  • ACA (American Canoe Association) Level 3 packrafting Member
  • Participated in and completed whitewater rafting on the Karnali River, Nepal

Now, with improved skills, I realize there were several significant problems in that rescue:

The person on the shore throwing the rope bag should first confirm that the swimmer in the water is aware of and capable of catching the rope bag. However, at the time, the rescue personnel had already thrown the rope bag while I was still submerged underwater.

Although I managed to grab the middle of the rope with my hand instinctively, I have no memory of this moment. After separating from the raft, I was assisted by the water rescue team to get back to shore.

The key issues in this case were:

  1. Exceeding personal skill level by attempting to navigate a more challenging river section, which increased the risks.
  2. The river itself posed certain risks, with a significant drop and the possibility of collisions—whitewater difficulty needs to be considered in terms of both “difficulty” and “risk.”
  3. The rescue personnel lacked professionalism, but fortunately, there were enough of them, and despite some errors, no serious consequences occurred.

Correct Instruction 

1. Rescue System and Risk Level Classification

Every rescue operation inherently involves some level of risk, with the degree of risk depending on the rescue strategy employed.

Although no two rescue situations are identical, and there are no fixed standards, the following is a rough classification based on the different risk levels faced by rescue personnel:

Source: The Packraft Handbook

2. Throwing the Rope Bag Rescue

Instruction on How to Use the Rescue Rope Bag ：

Tips:

  • – Be cautious when choosing the throwing position. If you anticipate a strong current, it’s important to secure yourself to avoid being pulled in while trying to guide the swimmer back to shore. Look for a stable position to support your feet. Be careful of slippery rocks or overhanging branches that may obstruct your throw.
  • – Throwing the rope bag precisely. Try to avoid fierce currents that could cause the bag to hit the swimmer or increase the risk of entanglement.
  • – Before throwing, ensure clear communication with the swimmer, whether through words, gestures, or eye contact, so the swimmer knows and is capable of catching the rope.
  • – Aim for the swimmer’s head when throwing the rope. A perfect throw is when the bag flies just over the swimmer’s head.
  • – If the rope bag misses the swimmer and they cannot reach it, quickly retrieve the rope from the water. The rope in the water poses a risk of entanglement.
  • – Rafting team members should practice rescue techniques frequently to improve coordination and accuracy in throwing the rope bag.
  • – Never wrap the rope around your arm or waist, whether you are the rescuer or the rescued. This will lead to entanglement and the risk of being pulled underwater.

【 Disclaimer 】

The above “Accident Case Report” should be considered a supplement to on-site training but cannot replace it. You should still actively seek out courses on swiftwater rescue, rafting instruction, and wilderness first aid. If you don’t have the opportunity to take formal courses, diligent study, regular practice, and capable partners can provide a suitable learning environment.

The views expressed in this document are purely personal and do not adhere to any explicit standards in terms of style, technique, equipment, or safety. Ultimately, you are responsible for your own safety.