What is the recommended way to enter swift water?

Using the "ferry angle" to maintain control is the recommended way to enter swift water because it allows the person to take advantage of the current while positioning their body at an angle to the flow. This technique helps to manage the effects of the current and aids in maintaining stability and control. By leveraging the forward momentum of the water, the rescuer can move across the current rather than being swept downstream, which is essential for maintaining safety during an entry into challenging conditions.

The ferry angle also facilitates a more controlled descent into the water, helping to mitigate the risk of being overwhelmed or disoriented by the force of the current. This technique is especially useful in rescue scenarios, where precision and awareness of the environment are critical for both the rescuer’s safety and the safety of the person being rescued.

Other methods, such as jumping in feet first or entering flat on one's stomach, do not provide the same level of control and may lead to injury or loss of situational awareness. Entering the water while oriented correctly with the ferry angle maximizes both safety and effectiveness in rapidly moving water environments.