It knows no season nor region. Yet too often the need for training is ignored until after a high-profile incident. This article can do no more than identify some of the more obvious, avoidable mistakes that have killed rescuers in the past. To insure the safety of rescuers and the effective rescue of others, some form of swiftwater rescue training and awareness is essential. An average of 200 Americans drown each year in flash flooding-more than in airline crashes or domestic terrorism.
Flash flooding is the top weather-related killer, ahead of earthquakes, tornadoes, and hurricanes.
The most common causes of drowning in swiftwater are cars crossing flooded roadways and being swept away, and children playing near flooded creeks. Many others are would-be citizen rescuers. An average of three professional rescuers drown each year while attempting a swiftwater rescue. Forty-five have died this way since 1983. In 1995 three firefighters died attempting swiftwater rescues, compared to fifteen who died during structural fires.