Examples of equipment that can be used at water search and rescue:
- Reach poles and attachments
- Bathyscope
- Sonar equipment
- Cameras
- Underwater drones
Deploying personnel under the hierarchy of risk (rescue formula) may adequately provide the options appropriate for providing a rescue capability within the parameters of legislation, training, and competence.
If a rescue cannot be achieved, it may be necessary to apply the survivability model to inform the decision to cease rescue operations and help inform the actions of oncoming responders. For more information refer to Apply the survivability model: Water rescue.
At the point that a rescue cannot be achieved, the incident commander should request the attendance of the police, if they are not already at the incident, and establish functional cordons. For more information refer to Cordon controls: Water rescue.