Foot or body entrapment rescue can be one of the more challenging and time sensitive problems we as swiftwater responders have to deal with. In such cases, the initial size up  is imperative, and should determine 3 things: 1) scene safety 2) Victim heads up or heads down 3) available resources. There are many more parameters...

Our second set of classes back in Yosemite National Park was just as good as the first round. Weather once again cooperated, and we had great water levels for an SRT-1 / SRT-A combo course. Its tough to beat training sites with backdrops including, Bridal Vail Falls, Half Dome, El Capitan, Vernal Falls. The valley...

  Here at Sierra Rescue, we teach a variety of classes in a wide range of drainages and valleys. One of the more stunning backdrops for a swiftwater rescue class, and my favorite place to don my dry suit, is the Yosemite Valley.       Thanks to Yosemite Search and Rescue (YOSAR) we have...

A: To get to the other side! We thought we’d go ahead and keep the swiftwater information flowing. This week’s topic is shallow water crossing. Shallow water crossing and wading techniques are invaluable assets not only as a tool in a rescue scenario, but also in your everyday boating. As with most of your swiftwater rescue...

[caption id="attachment_691" align="alignleft" width="225" caption="Over look of Yosemite Valley"][/caption] Zach Byars, Texas native turned western river adventurer has been teaching Swiftwater Rescue with Sierra Rescue for four years. Owing his affinity for whitewater to his parents, who worked as commercial raft guides for ARTA in the 70’s,  Zach jumped into swiftwater early in his life....