The idea is that in the event of becoming trapped in current the operator can easily escape the system and engage in a free swim to safety, adopting the same releasability ethos as all ‘in water’ rescue systems. The only specific guidance here in the UK is that provided by the Fire Service Rope manual (P69) which specifies the need for a support system which can be released (one handed, under load) by the user. However, on nearing the water a new set of risks take over. Clearly they will require a standard work positioning set-up with the normal system redundancy. So what is the difference between this type of rigging and any other? Well, whilst the operator is at height, very little. Working on rope rescue systems over water can be very problematic, with multiple risks and limited guidance, then again… it can make for a soft landing!

In 2008 he co-directed the award winning film Upsidedown Wales. He has also spent an unspecified number of years hanging from ropes, as evidenced by his long involvement with DMM over on the climbing side.

His specialisms are the delivery of work at height and rope rescue applications along with water rescue systems. He has twenty years experience working with emergency services from many different parts of the world.

George Smith is a member of the tutor team at Outreachrescue based in the UK.

Free download water rescue rope