Examination Practice Questions And

Illinois Swift Water Rescue Technician Examination Practice Questions And Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant Download Pdf

• Which of the following is the most critical factor when approaching a

swift water rescue?

• Water temperature
• Flow rate
• Scene safety
• Victim size

Rationale: Scene safety is paramount to protect rescuers before

attempting a rescue.

2. The safest method to enter moving water is:

• Running in from shore 1 / 4

• Diving headfirst
• Using a belay or tethered entry
• Jumping from a bridge

Rationale: Tethered entries minimize the risk of being swept away.

3. In swift water rescue, the term “hydraulic” refers to:

• Equipment used in pumping water
• Water features with circulating currents that can trap a person
• Types of rope used in rescue
• A water rescue technique

Rationale: Hydraulics are powerful circulating currents that pose

significant entrapment hazards.

• Which personal flotation device (PFD) is required for swift water

rescue?

• Type I only
• Type II
• Type III
• Rescue-specific PFD with a minimum 15 lb buoyancy

Rationale: Swift water PFDs are designed for dynamic conditions and

provide additional support for rescuers.

• What is the primary purpose of a throw bag?
• Signaling
• To reach and secure a victim from a distance
• Anchoring a rope system 2 / 4

• Personal protection

Rationale: Throw bags allow rescuers to reach victims without

entering hazardous water.

• Which of the following is a danger of foot entrapment in swift water?
• Getting cold
• Being pinned by a submerged object and trapped underwater
• Tiring quickly
• Loss of orientation

Rationale: Foot entrapment can immobilize a person, increasing the

risk of drowning.

7. When assessing a swift water scene, the first step is:

• Contacting EMS
• Conducting a hazard assessment
• Entering the water
• Throwing a rope to the victim

Rationale: Identifying hazards ensures rescuer safety and proper

planning.

8. The best method for communicating in a noisy river environment is:

• Yelling loudly
• Using hand signals or whistle codes
• Speaking over a radio
• Flashing lights 3 / 4

Rationale: Hand signals and whistles are reliable in high-noise

environments where verbal communication fails.

9. In swift water, a “strainer” is:

• A type of PFD
• A rope technique
• An obstacle that allows water to pass but can trap a person or

object

• A signaling device

Rationale: Strainers, like fallen trees, are highly dangerous because

they trap water victims.

• Which knot is most commonly used in rescue rope systems?
• Square knot
• Figure-eight knot
• Slip knot
• Bowline

Rationale: Figure-eight knots are strong, secure, and easy to inspect.

• The maximum safe distance to throw a rope to a victim depends

on:

• Rescuer strength
• Rope length only
• Both rope length and victim distance
• Current speed only
• / 4