Swiftwater Rescue Wetsuit?

[BigRig]

Any suggestions for a wetsuit suitable for swiftwater rescue? How thick?

[Fyrechicken]

If your looking at Swift water rescue go for dry suit, just think what swift water is most of the time.....Rain run-off it could have just about anything in it from chemicals to human/animal wastes mixed in plus by staying dry you stay warm. Check OS Systems, Mustang, and others for surface/rescue swimmer dry suits

[mcaldwell]

The crews around here like the "Force 6" brand suits.

Force 6

Bowman's comment on a dry suit over a wet suit is right on as well. We also choose our suits based on both that factor, and the climate up here. Water turns to ice for half the year, so you want a durable and warm suit that can pull double duty for ice rescue as well.

The other advantage to a dry suit is that you can wear some types of thermal underwear when necessary. That could allow you to wear a thinner suit most of the time in warmer water/climates, and then layer up for the cold stuff.