Swift water group 🌊🚤

The HSSR's swift water rescue group specialises in search and rescue on lakes, rivers and the country's coastline. The group members train to deal with challenging situations in and around water, where quick reactions and specialised skills can make the difference.

The group holds regular exercises, both on land and in the water:

🔹 Land-based exercises – Emphasis is placed on safety during rescue operations in and around water, throwing line techniques, the use of various rescue systems, and appropriate line techniques and knots used in rescue operations on lakes and rivers.

🔹 Water exercises – Training includes swimming in swift water, rescuing companions, identifying hazards in swift water, and rescuing from wakes on icy waters. We also work on search and rescue using jet skis on coastlines, large lakes, and rivers with high water levels.

The group uses jet skis for searches along the country's coastlines, on large lakes and in rivers with more water, where speed and access to dangerous areas are important. Jet skis are also an important part of rescue operations along the country's coastline.

Members of the group perform simple maintenance on swift water suits, sea suits, and jet skis, to ensure that all equipment is in good condition for calls.

Group leaders oversee the renewal of equipment, whether it is a swift water suits, sea suits and associated equipment, or a jet ski and what comes with them.

Swift water gorup is a specialised group that ensures that the unit is always ready to handle search and rescue operations in and around water – where rapid response, safety and professionalism are key. 🌊🚑

Group leaders

  • Magnús Stefán Sigurðsson

    Member since : 2022

  • Nikulás Már Finnsson

    Member since : 2011

Group equipment

Reykur Strengur

Fastanúmer: SKB943
Árgerð: 2022
Orkugjafi: Gasoline 95 octane
Fjarskipti: Tetra, VHF, AIS (automatic identification system)

Reykur Straumur

Fastanúmer: SKB942
Árgerð: 2022
Orkugjafi: Gasoline 95 octane
Fjarskipti: Tetra, VHF, AIS (automatic identification system)

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the HSSR swift water team do?

The group specializes in search and rescue on lakes, rivers and along the country's coastline. Members train in safety, whitewater rescue techniques and the use of equipment useful in water rescue.

Do I need to have experience in swimming or water rescue to be in the group?

Not necessarily, but since most of the practical exercises take place in and around water, it is necessary to be able to swim to participate. The group practices training in swimming in swift water and the use of lifesaving equipment.

What equipment does the swift water group use?

The group uses swift water suits, sea suits, throw lines, rescue systems and jet skis that are used in search and rescue on lakes and rivers.

When is the group called out?

The swift water group is called out when a search is needed in or near water, whether it is coastal areas, large lakes or fast-flowing rivers.

What do the leaders of the swift water group do?

Group leaders oversee training and exercises, ensure equipment is in good condition, and keep up to date with the latest in water rescue equipment and techniques. They also ensure that group members are prepared for rescue missions and have the necessary knowledge and experience in swift water rescue.