When Seconds Count
Recently, heavy rains brought flash flooding to parts of the Kansas City area. In one heartbreaking case, a woman went out for a walk in the park and never made it home — swept away by high, fast-moving water that came with little warning.
I’ve thought about that moment a lot. Could I have helped if I had been nearby? I carry rope in my car. But without proper training and equipment, the truth is, my attempt to save her might have made me a second victim. Flood waters are incredibly dangerous — they can sweep you off your feet in just 6 inches of moving water and carry away vehicles in 18 inches.
People who visit us are always afraid of twisters, but never even think of flooding. But in Kansas, year after year... more people die from flash floods than die from tornadoes. Flash Floods can happen in the most enjoyable of all weather--because it rained someplace else and is coming here! Or worse... it snowed in Wyoming in Novemeber and now it's melting... and coming... here.
That's the danger of flash floods.
The Harsh Reality of Water Rescues
If you remember just one thing, let it be this:
Untrained rescues often end with two casualties instead of one.
The safest first step in any water emergency is to call 911 and let trained professionals with the right gear respond. But sometimes — whether in a remote area or in the crucial seconds before rescuers arrive — you may be the only one who can act.
That’s why, after seeing Corporal’s Corner’s video on an Improvised Fall Restraint, I decided to prepare for those “you can’t wait” moments.
What Is an Improvised Fall Restraint?
An improvised fall restraint is a simple rope setup you can quickly tie around your upper body to secure yourself to a fixed point before approaching a hazard — in this case, fast-moving water.
It’s not the same as a full climbing harness, and it’s not designed to replace professional rescue equipment. But it could keep you from being swept away if you slip while assisting from shore or securing someone else.
Here’s the Corporal’s Corner video that shows the technique step-by-step:
Improvised Fall Restraint on YouTube.
In the video, Corporal Kelly demonstrates:
-
How to tie a secure around-the-body bowline
-
How to create a lanyard loop with a figure-eight knot
-
How to use carabiners to clip to an anchor point
-
The importance of proper rope length and keeping it comfortable but snug
What I Keep in My Vehicle
After watching, I upgraded my rope bag:
-
Two pre-cut fall restraint lines ready to tie and clip
-
Two 50-foot lengths of quality rope (rated for rescue-type loads)
-
Two 100-foot lengths of genuine 550 paracord (rated at 550 lbs vertical load — real paracord, not the craft-store kind)
-
Four locking carabiners rated for climbing or rescue loads
This gear lives in my car, so if I ever have to assist — or anchor myself for safety — I’m ready. I also have practiced this multiple times and have it down so I can get this done quickly!
Flood Rescue Principles to Remember
-
Reach, Throw, Row, Go — in that order.
-
Reach: Use a pole, branch, or rope from shore.
-
Throw: Toss a rope or throw bag.
-
Row: Approach in a boat if trained.
-
Go: Enter the water only as a last resort.
-
-
Never tie yourself directly to the victim. Anchor to something solid on shore, not to them.
-
Maintain situational awareness. Water rises and currents change faster than most people realize.
-
Practice before you need it. Tie the knots, wear the rope, and get familiar with clipping to an anchor.
Midwest Takeaway
Here in the Plains, flooding can happen far from the rivers we normally think about. Low spots, culverts, and drainage ditches can turn deadly in minutes. Even “a walk in the park” can become a life-threatening situation during heavy rain.
Preparedness isn’t about paranoia — it’s about having the skills and tools to act safely when seconds count.
Final Thought:
If you carry rope, carabiners, and know how to tie an improvised fall restraint, you might have the chance to help without becoming the next victim. But remember — nothing replaces professional training. Consider taking a swiftwater rescue awareness or rope rescue basics course from your local fire department or search-and-rescue team.
Comments
Post a Comment