What is a primary risk when conducting a rescue in swift water?

The primary risk when conducting a rescue in swift water is the potential to be swept away by the current. Swift water environments are characterized by fast-moving water that can exert significant force on individuals. This force can easily overcome a rescuer's strength and stability, making it extremely dangerous to approach or enter the water without proper precautions. Rescuers can be quickly swept downstream, potentially leading to injuries or even drowning if they are unable to regain control or find a safe exit.

While marginal visibility, low water temperature, and nearby floating debris are also important considerations during a swift water rescue, they do not pose the immediate and overwhelming threat that the current itself does. Marginal visibility can complicate the situation, but it is the fast current that directly endangers the safety of rescuers and victims alike. Low water temperature can lead to hypothermia over time, but it usually does not present an immediate risk like the powerful water flow. Nearby floating debris can also be hazardous, but the sheer force of the water is often the most pressing danger in these situations.