What is the minimum required garment for RS deployment into the water?

The minimum required garment for Rescue Swimmer (RS) deployment into the water is the wet suit top. This choice is critical because the primary purpose of the wet suit top is to provide thermal protection and buoyancy for the swimmer in potentially cold water, which is essential for maintaining body temperature during operations.

A wet suit top allows for sufficient mobility and flexibility, ensuring the RS can perform rescues effectively. It is designed to trap a thin layer of water against the skin, which is warmed by the body heat, helping to maintain body temperature. Additionally, it provides protection from abrasions and injuries that can occur in turbulent water conditions.

While a dry suit assembly provides more comprehensive protection, including insulation for cold temperatures and is ideal for extended deployments, it is not always the minimum requirement depending on operational guidelines and water conditions. Similarly, standard life jackets, while valuable for buoyancy, do not offer thermal protection required for prolonged exposure in colder water conditions. Swim trunks alone do not provide adequate thermal protection, making them insufficient as a stand-alone garment for deployment.

In summary, the wet suit top meets the minimum requirements for both thermal protection and mobility needed for effective rescue operations.