What is the maximum allowable water speed for wading operations in shallow water?

The maximum allowable water speed for wading operations in shallow water is set at 10 mph. This limit is established to ensure the safety of personnel engaged in water rescue operations. When water speed exceeds this threshold, the risk of being swept away significantly increases, which can lead to dangerous situations for individuals attempting to wade through currents.

At speeds above 10 mph, the current can become strong enough to destabilize a person, making it extremely difficult to maintain balance or make progress against the flow. Therefore, 10 mph serves as a critical guideline to help keep rescuers safe while they perform their duties in potentially hazardous conditions.