Reserve descents into water during
safety training (SIV)
Make sure that the rescue boat is on the water and can re-
ach you quickly. Always wear a lifejacket. Get out of your
speedbag before reaching the water and open all possib-
le buckles (small chest strap, Speedbag, CRS) except the
front strap.
Important:
The front strap will not open under
load.
You should be aware that the foam protector in any har-
ness will try to float. This can automatically tip the pilot
head down in the water. It can therefore be sensible to ta-
ke the protector and comfort foam out before the exercise.
See section «Removing & replacing components» p. 37.
After an intended water landing you should also get out of
the harness as quickly as possible, before getting into the
boat. A harness soaked with water is very heavy and it is
difficult to board the boat while wearing it.
Caution:
When lifting the harness from the water,
either into a boat or on shore, there is a risk of da-
maging it because of the extra weight of water insi-
de. Lift the harness by its straps – never by its fab-
ric parts.
Involuntary reserve descent into water
Especially in this case it is very important, if possible, to
get out of the speedbag before splashdown, and open
all buckles except the front belt or use the hook knife.
Immediately after entering the water both Cobra buckles
must be opened. Get away from the harness and all your
equipment as quickly as possible.
Important:
The front strap will not open under
load.
Caution:
If a buckle or speedbag and CRS will not
open cut through these lines with the hook knife be-
fore entering the water. The hook knife is in a po-
cket under the cockpit, attached by a long line.
Water landing without reserve
(but with paraglider)
Follow the same procedures as above. Depending on the
situation and danger (current, waves) it can make sense to
cut one or both leg straps with the hook knife before ente-
ring the water, so that the front strap is not tensioned, or
even cut all the straps and jump or slide out into the wa-
ter (from a low height).
Caution:
In case a buckle or speedbag /CRS will
not open cut through these with the hook knife.
This is in a pocket under the cockpit and attached
by a long line.
Maintenance and care of the harness after a
water landing
After contact with water all the protectors including SAS-
TEC parts, comfort foam and blanks should be taken out
of the IMPRESS 4. See section «Removing & replacing
components» p. 37.
Everything should then be allowed to dry in a shaded pla-
ce outside, or carefully laid out in a dry room – or the har-
ness could be hung by its carabiners and gently wafted to
and fro. The reserve must be taken out and dried separa-
tely. Obviously it should then be repacked.
Info:
The protectors may take several days to dry
completely.
Tree landing
A tree landing raises the risk, with or without reserve, of
hanging by the leg straps, thus tensioning the front strap
and preventing the Cobra buckles opening. In this emer-
gency you could also call on the assistance of the hook
knife – carefully! Do not fall out of a high tree.
Caution:
The most dangerous feature of a tree lan-
ding is climbing down. Always wait for a rescue par-
ty to get you out of the tree.
Info:
We recommend that you keep a rope sling
with carabiner in the cockpit so that you can secure
your harness to a branch and relax while you wait.
Use in Practice
36 | ADVANCE IMPRESS 4
