07/01/2026
How To Thread A Quick-Release Rescue Belt | As a whitewater rescue instructor, I have seen both the power and the dangers of attaching to a rope with a quick-release harness. When used effectively, it can be an essential part of a whitewater rescue toolkit. Without proper training, practice, setup and application, it can turn into an entrapment hazard.
One danger I see every season is paddlers using the quick-release harness improperly. If you have a rescue PFD with a quick-release harness, it’s essential to learn how to use it and practice releasing it multiple times on land each season to develop muscle memory. Practice releasing in the water, in a controlled environment, with others there to back you up. Practice with your eyes closed, with both hands, and with and without tension on the line.
To set up your harness, start with the manufacturer’s instructions for your specific PFD. I recommend using only a PFD with a sewn-in quick-release harness. Make sure all components are in good condition. A properly fitted PFD should have the release mechanism at chest height, within reach of either hand.
Tighten your PFD straps before setting up the harness so that if you need to release, the PFD will still be secure.
Threading a quick-release harness is simple, but many paddlers get it wrong. Watch a video of the technique and other best practices at https://bit.ly/4xL0BtD
✍️: Jamie Orfald-Clarke at Boreal River Rescue
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