Pete -
We did an "in the water" job a few months ago, a drunk into the canal. I had a standard push & snap punch in my hand, which I promptly dropped and lost the moment I got to the truck (the driver was actually in an OK space for air, we just needed to get the window out to make it easier to get to the "B" post. Since then, I've put a retractable lanyard on a punch for the in-water rig. We've been doing a lot of in-water rescue stuff lately, which has been really informative and useful, especially if you manage to get to someone who's alive but submerged - which is possible in some limited situations. The transition point - you have a car, there's SOME air in it (a pocket) and now you've got to leave the air pocket and surface, with a patient who might be broken. Just putting a drill together for this scenario is dangerous, actually doing it is even more risky.

I have looked at and purchased one of the retractable lanyards made by Hammerhead, but have been reluctant to use it for water rescue. I am a strong advocate of not hard trying anything to my water rescue gear/dry suit. What I have been using are those cheap plastic coil loops/lanyards that you can buy at the dollar store and generally come 4 to a pack. I have one for my whistle, knife, strobe, etc. I replace the steel split ring(s) with ones of stainless steel. These will support the weight of the gear, but will breakaway if the item becomes snagged.

Our water rescue calls are down this season. Considering the area drought, it is not surprising. We have had only a few calls on the Potomac or local rivers/streams; most have been for missing swimmers or boaters.

We conduct our formal Swiftwater/Flood Water Task Force training quarterly, with a few extras drills thrown in throughout the year. Many of our boat companies also have monthly drills to supplement the quarterly drills.

We are in the process of updating our guidelines and training requirements for all of our Spec Ops. Right now we are looking to set up several formal boat operator and technical animal rescue classes this fall in an effort to meet the pending National Credentialing Program.

Pete