The Mighty Vector Pull
The Vector Pull is an additional mechanical advantage you
could add to an existing line for many applications. The vector pull can be created by a hand over
hand motion on the haul line, a carabiner attached to an additional throw
line, or long piece of webbing which, will then be attached to the haul line of
the swimmer or rescuer [reference picture above].
Why use the
Vector Pull?
·
Increases your pulling power
·
Can reduce the distance downstream of bringing
someone to shore
Where would
I use the Vector Pull?
·
To assist in retrieving a swimmer holding a
throw line
·
To assist in retrieving a tethered rescue swimmer and victim after the rescuer has made contact
·
During a pendulum with a person(s) or boat
·
Unpinning a boat off an obstruction
What is the
set up? Here are a couple of examples.
Throw Bag
assist –
·
Personnel - 2 to 3 team members…possibly set up
as downstream safety.
o
Rescuer A – Thrower/Belayer, Rescuer B – Anchor
or additional thrower, and Rescue C – Vector Man
·
Once victim receives throw line from Rescue A,
Rescuer C clips in vector line close to Rescuer A, starts walking downstream
while panning out rope.
·
The objective is to get the vector line closer
to the swimmer to reduce pull on Rescuer A.
·
Once vector line is closer to the swimmer it can
be tensioned while still moving downstream which will bring the swimmer to
shore.
·
The speed of the vector pull needs to be at a
higher pace walk…don’t run!
Tethered
Rescue assist –
·
Personnel – 2 to 3 team members…set up as
downstream safety.
o
Rescuer A – Tethered Rescue Swimmer, Rescuer B –
Belayer, and Rescuer C – Vector Man
·
Once the victim is contacted by Rescue A, Rescue
C can clip-in and start walking downstream while panning out rope.
·
The objective is to get the vector line closer
to the swimmer to reduce pull on Rescuer A.
·
Once vector line is closer to the swimmer the
vector line can be tensioned while still moving downstream which will bring the
rescuer and swimmer to shore.
·
The speed of the vector pull needs to be at a
higher pace walk…don’t run!
Are there
limitations to the use of the Vector Pull?
·
Yes, you will need room on shore to move down
stream.
Okay, now it
is time to go practice the Vector Pull.
Here are a few reminders!
·
DO NOT clip the vector pull to the haul line
until the swimmer is holding the line or rescuer has made contact with the
victim.
·
If you are the Vector Man make sure to have the
gate of your carabiner already open for an easy connection and you are standing
on the downstream side of the thrower/belayer.
Aaron Peeler
USNWC Swiftwater Rescue Program/Outdoor School Director
Owner/Operator of H2O Rescue Gear
ACA L:5 Swiftwater Rescue Instructor Trainer
ACA L:4 Rafting Instructor Trainer
ACA Safety & Rescue Committee Member
ACA Raft Instruction Committee Member
ACA Safety & Rescue Committee Member
ACA Raft Instruction Committee Member
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