Philosophy NFPA Water Rescue Program Customer Service Swiftwater Rescue Articles and Information by Slim Ray, Consultant, Rescue 3 International Slim Ray is an internationally-recognized authority on flood, swiftwater and whitewater safety and rescue with twenty years of experience in swiftwater rescue, including course development and instruction with Rescue 3, Canyonlands Field Institute, and the Nantahala Outdoor Center. He has written and lectured extensively on the subject. An active recreational kayaker, he has worked as a raft guide and canoe and kayak instructor both in the US and abroad. He is the Owner and Chief Executive Officer of CFS Press .
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. Thirty-five have died this way since 1983. In 1995, three firefighters died attempting swiftwater rescues, compared to 15 who died during structural fires.