Swift water rescue uses specially trained fire personnel. Swift water rescue also utilizes ropes and mechanical advantage systems. The main goal being to use or deflect the water’s power to assist in the rescue of the endangered person.

Due to the danger nature of a swift water rescue, the City of Carlsbad Fire Department trains annually in its local jetties to better prepare for a swift water emergency. The training includes understanding and recognizing of a swift water rescue, rescuing and extricating a victim from the water, and safely swimming in swift water to negotiate water hazards and obstacles.

The City of Carlsbad Fire Department has a cache of specialty swift water equipment on heavy rescue at Fire Station Four, which is located near many of the city’s largest water hazards.