Winchman - Water Entry Shock

Water Entry Shock

Although water entry close to the surface is relatively uneventful, the density of water makes it harder for it to move out of the way when penetrated at high speeds, as occurs when jumping into water from great heights.

Mild bruising to being knocked unconscious can occur from very high jumps, especially if entry angle can not be controlled and the jumper is burdened by coiled rope and other heavy rescue equipment. In some situations the rescuers can themselves need to be rescued if they are injured by making a very high jump entry into water.

Generally rescue jumpers try to get as close to the water surface as is practical before jumping out of the rescue vehicle. In ocean rescues during intense storms, helicopters often must stay high to keep clear of large ocean waves, which also have very deep troughs. In these conditions, the jumper tries to time his jump to occur at the crest of the wave action.