Disclaimer: The actions described and depicted in this post are for informational purposes only and performed by trained professionals. Do not attempt! If you want to join us on the water, please consider submitting a membership application request through our Contact form.
Today, members of Tunxis Hose and Farmington Fire Department conducted a swiftwater rescue training drill on the Farmington River, sharpening the skills needed to safely and efficiently rescue individuals caught in fast-moving water.
In a real emergency, coordination and speed are critical. Firefighters deploy to both sides of the river, and use a specialized projectile launcher to fire a lightweight line across the water to the opposite side. That line is then used to pull a stronger Main Line (White Rope) across to serve the purpose of a Highline which is anchored securely to trees or apparatus on each shore.
This highline allows a rescue boat and equipment to be safely tethered while spanning the river. The Control/Tag Line (Red Ropes) help rescuers on each shore guide the boat across the river toward each riverbank. Inside the boat, rescuers use the Tether/Tender Line (Yellow Rope) attached to the control line to adjust their position relative to the main line, either further upstream or downstream.
Thank you for reading, and please enjoy some pictures from the drill:
