The Value of Training is the admission of the necessity for improvement. Training is also a vital extension of preventative maintenance.

If something isn’t quite working out as expected, address it.

This applies to the physical actions of Coxswains as much as it does to the tools they need to administer their program success.

If you have a team mentality that will do things the way they have always been done, maybe its time to inspect that closely. Everything in our world is moving forward, but water rescue has been stagnant in product development or new training updates and that is not good!

Admit where you or your program is wrong or flawed. Don't skirt it, don't ignore it and don't give it an excuse or delay. Fix it, and fix it strong and sure so that you do not suffer a casualty or loss. (or worse).

Making admissions in the errors of program or equipment use is lifesaving, its your life and your teammates. It starts with the most simplest of your tools.

Learning is about review. Its about sustainability and performance measures.

1. Itemize the needs
2. Deduct the problems
3. Fulfill the Solutions
4. Evaluate the results.

You cannot learn until you start taking some corrective actions. Its not just on the water where things go wrong, its starts with the program and long before you head to the boat ramp to launch.

You can start with something as simple as your engine cut off switch and lanyard.

Are you sure you are using the correct engine cut off switch for your Rescue Water Craft?


You need a minimum of 6 engine cut of switches or 'kill switches' as some refer to them.

The generic slang is simply using the word 'lanyard' to shorten the sentence structure.

It is a lot to say 'grab your engine cut off switch lanyard', but that is the correct term.

So, go get them right now. I'll wait for you...................


Broken, cracked or damaged, its time to replace like this engine cut off switch

Welcome back!

How many do you have in front of you? One of three?

Here is a solid suggestion for you.

1. Emergency use for the RWC (in case of emergency only)
2. 1 for the Coxswain
3. 1 for the Crew Member
4. 1 on board for replacement in case of loss or damage underway.
5. Additional 2 spares back at the marine unit location to replace the damaged ones.

Okay, you you need at least 6 engine cut off switches honestly.

Well if you don't have replacements you may have to take your Rescue Water Craft out of service until new ones arrive. That could takes weeks on order during the peak season.

How do you inspect them?

Just like any other sensitive equipment:

1. Breaks, fractures, splits or cracks
2. Lanyard frayed or worn
3. Long term age (yeah replace old gear)
4. Make sure you are using the correct key to begin with!

Engine Cut Off Switches should be specific to the Make, Year and Production model of the Rescue Water Craft you use.

Inspect after every single use.
Inspect annually.

Remember, this is part of your minimum Rescue Water Craft carriage requirements and the single most important accessory you can have while underway.

Now that you have the engine cut off switch done, go do the line and inspect every other item in your Marine Unit RWC Shed!

You are off to a good start!

Posted 1.13.2019

Have any questions? Join the Rescue Water Craft Association
Join the Rescue Water Craft Association

