THIS IS THE CLASS THAT EVERY PADDLE SPORTS ENTHUSIAST MUST TAKE!
Whether you are a hardcore white-water paddler or just a recreational floater on slower rivers, you need this course. Rivers are incredibly dangerous, and tons of people die every year while doing paddle sports. This course is designed to first teach you about the dangers of the water and how to avoid them. You will also learn, however, how to rescue your friends and recover lost boats. These are essential skills for everyone interested in paddle sports of any type in faster moving waterways. You must have this training to stay safe on the river. Approximately 11 people die of drowning per day, and this course will teach you how to save yourself and others. All fitness levels welcome to join!
The Swift Water Rescue workshop teaches recognition and avoidance of common river hazards, self-rescue techniques, and techniques for rescuing other paddlers in distress. Students will have opportunities to practice simple, commonly used skills, as well as more advanced techniques for dealing with hazards that pose greater risks for victims and rescuers. For example, we will cover rescue vest applications as well as how to handle strainers, entrapments, and pins. We will provide opportunities for students to practice their skills both individually and within a team/ group context.
Course Objectives:
Promote proactive prevention of river accidents and injuries
Develop and practice key self-rescue skills
Identify and avoid river hazards by understanding hydrology, hazards, and river features
Focus on fast, low-risk strategies for early management of river accidents
Develop and practice methods for recovering swimmers, loose boats, and equipment
Develop and practice more advanced rope-based and in-water skills
Gain experience using the rescue PFD and understand its strengths and weaknesses
Utilize rescue scene management principles needed within a paddling group
*NO PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE NEEDED. PEOPLE OF AVERAGE FITNESS LEVEL WELCOME! GET CERTIFIED IN TWO DAYS! EQUIPMENT AVAILABLE FOR RENT OR PURCHASE
Personal Equipment Needed: PFD designed for whitewater use, whitewater helmet (available for rent), protective clothing suitable for extended swimming in cold water (available for rent), protective water based footwear, boat, paddle.
