Speak Up Lives Depend On It

SPEAK UP AND ENDURE

  • It is unfair if an Operator is driving too fast for the conditions or over 25 mph during transits with persons on board.
  • It is unfair if a crewperson is not functional or operationally sound working on a rescue board.
  • It is unfair if a rescue board is not affixed to the stern deck of a Rescue Water Craft adequately. Notice I state ‘adequately’ as this a gray area dependent on many contributing factors.
  • It is unfair if a Rescue Water Craft is not operationally sound and still in service. Silence is admission.

Distractions can be numerous. Attention to situational awareness requires our focus. We must be vigilant as leaders in our full capabilities as operators and program managers.

Relationships are established through connectivity. This requires of us our effort of service and command. We must command our presence and be aware of fatigue, shortcomings and lack of preparation.

Rescue Water Craft Training for Night Qualification

Preparation

I have a saying ‘85% preparation and 15% underway time’. That is an honest assessment. It’s boring. Preparation is tedious and time consuming. Too often responders focus on the recovery and forget the mission workup. This includes electronics, trailers, rigging, rescue boards, PPE, and all accessary gear and parts.

We all need a foundation to rely upon. This means our fundamental core values are our continuing strength. Speak up when you know something is not working properly.

‘Back to the Basics’ is a long standing catch phrase of reason, let’s keep that in mind and not be distracted from normal operations.
The pre-operations checklists and logs that go into your program docket are what will keep your program regulated. It helps to discover potential problems or shortcomings that will lead up to a mishap and hopefully these evaluations are conducted prior to an accident or serious injury.

Operations of normal standard behaviors should not be dismissed or ignored. Adhering to the basics will ensure program longevity. We cannot afford the penalties of reality when it suddenly gets real and we discover we should have done that, dismissed doing that, or ignored doing that because we could.

But we shouldn’t. Speak Up. We should be held accountable. Liability is a serious reminder of competency.

Rescue Board Training and Inspection

What can you do to comply?

  1. Review all of your log books.
  2. Be familiar with the checklists and complete all form fields.
  3. Make sure you understand how the checklists apply to the equipment you are using so your reviews are effective and not just a habit to fill in the blank.
  4. Inspect your PPE and remove it from service if needed.
  5. Be fearless in removing any gear or equipment from operational use with the control measures in place by your protocols and procedures.

Practicing effective basics

There is a time not to go. You may discover that you will have to take a RWC out of service and that coverage will be significantly reduced. Have a backup plan for downed equipment and make sure you have the budget to maintain efficient operations.

Checklist help insure your program. They are reminders of requirements that rely upon your mental and physical action. Practicing effective basics of the fundamentals will allow you to have the capability to catch mistakes before they become mishaps.

Content Creator - Shawn Alladio cares most about her community and the culture surrounding the safety of event service providers and Rescue Water Craft operators, working hard and dedicated towards protecting their reputation, distributing safety information and continuing to train these amazing individuals to the highest standards of care.

Document Your RWC Program Results

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