Water Rescue
CVGSAR has a team of members trained to perform water and swift water/flood rescues.
Swift water rescue takes specialized training and equipment as well as regular practice in our local waters to remain familiar with the water systems and the ever changing list of hazards that can be found on a river.
We maintain a team of highly skilled water rescue technicians that work together as a team to deploy and affect a rescue on any inland waterway from Oyster River to Cook Creek as well as helping other teams on Vancouver Island.
Rescuers wear a dry suit, gloves, helmet, PFD, and footwear designed for a swift water environment. Inflatable kayaks are used to travel downstream or cross a river and can be deflated and rolled up if they are being transported by helicopter for remote area access. As well, we have 2 power boats for use in the lower Puntledge and Comox Lake areas.
Specialized rope rescue equipment is used to facilitate river crossings and subject recovery. Ropes are designed to float and are narrower to reduce resistance when in the water. Connectors and other devices are made of aluminum to keep weight down and make transport and swimming easier.
