Since Luvverboy or whatever alias he is using now cannot answer my question....can anyone else answer it for me?
In the UK SAR system...are the winchmen trained as Rescue Swimmers and do they routinely enter the water free of the winch wire....and swim to the victim to effect a rescue such as all of our SAR crews do?
The training program for a Rescue Swimmer is a very tough course....physically and mentally. I can see physical fitness being a necessary part of that job and doubt just any 50 year old guy could pass the course.
These Swimmers are very brave men in my view....it takes a lot of heart to jump from a helicopter at night into cold stormy waters to go to the aid of someone else.