This course is geared toward recreational river users and any individuals looking to gain more knowledge and experience in developing basic river rescue skills and knowledge.
This hands-on workshop is designed to introduce participants how to recognize and avoid particular river hazards and features, practice on-water communication, perform self-rescue, and execute rescue techniques for others. This course will emphasize personal safety, teamwork, decision making and rescue philosophy.
Common course topics are based on the intentions and goals of the participants.
Many courses may include and are not limited to the following topics:
- Personal preparation
- River hydrology
- Paddling environments
- Personal paddling and rescue equipment
- Rescue strategy
- Wading skills
- Throw rope skills
The following skills can be incorporated for those with more experience upon request:
- Swimming skills
- Rigging, anchors and knots
- Craft pins
- Craft based rescues
- Strategies and skills for entrapments
- Scenarios that incorporate one or more of the above skills
At minimum each participant should:
- Be in good health and be comfortable moving and operating around moving water.
- Comfortable wading and potentially swimming in moving current.
- Be prepared for extended periods of time spent in cold moving water and dress appropriately for both the weather and water temperature.
All participants are encouraged to have:
(If participants do not have any of the following equipment rental equipment may be available)
- PFD designed for whitewater use
- Whitewater helmet
- Protective clothing suitable for extended swimming in cold water
- Protective footwear
- Whistle
- Throw rope
- River knife
Much of this clinic is intended to teach participants about what equipment is necessary and desired for successful river running. If you intend to buy equipment you do not already have it is recommended to wait until after your clinic or ask your instructor for recommendations.
