One of the more dramatic photos we’ve ever captured was of Henry 1 long lining a victim from the top of  a monster wave. What is rarely mentioned is the continual, physical training the unit puts itself through in order to meet those types of rescue demands and, more importantly, the people who volunteer to play victim.

In this particular image [click to enlarge] from winter training, we can see the rescuer pointing in the direction he wants the pilot to take him. If you look closely, you can make out someone’s head at the crest of the wave. That’s a lifeguard.

Tough rescuers in their own right and recipients of numerous awards for heroism, the California State Parks lifeguards in Sonoma County occasionally throw themselves into heavy surf so the H1 crew can practice their ‘picks’.

Rescuing someone from a stationary cliff is relatively easy compared to chasing someone around inside an ill-tempered washing machine. One second they’re there and then they’re not.

The pilot has to position the aircraft quickly and continually, but still maintain control of the rescuer at the end of the rope. Awareness of the wave sets and timing are crucial because you don’t want to drop the rescuer into the path of a wave or expose both the rescuer and the victim to the face of a wave on the pull out.

When physical contact is made with the victim, the rescuer has little time to gain control, secure the victim, and signal the pilot to fly clear before 65 lbs/ft³ of liquid scenery crashes on top of them.

On those days, the days even surfers decide that discretion is the better part of valor, you just might find the H1 crew and state park lifeguards honing the skills of their trade.

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