What equipment is essential for a swiftwater rescue team?

Personal flotation devices (PFDs) are essential for a swiftwater rescue team because they provide vital buoyancy in moving water, which is critical for both the rescuers and the victims. In swiftwater conditions, the risk of drowning increases significantly due to strong currents and unexpected underwater hazards. PFDs ensure that team members can stay afloat and maintain some level of control in turbulent waters, allowing them to perform rescues more effectively and safely.

Other equipment, while potentially useful in specific scenarios, does not provide the immediate support that PFDs do. Fire extinguishers, for example, are necessary for managing fire emergencies, but they are irrelevant in a water rescue context. Emergency flares can be useful for signaling distress but do not assist directly in the rescue effort. Wet suits, while beneficial for providing thermal protection in cold water, are not universally essential for all swiftwater rescue operations, and many scenarios prioritize buoyancy and safety over thermal insulation.