In addition to enhancing our personal paddling skills, there are three extremely important skills we all should obtain to reduce the risk to ourselves and to our fellow paddlers. These are:
Learn CPR.
Take a first aid class. A basic class is good, advanced skills (Wilderness First Aid, Wilderness First Responder, etc.) are better.
Take a Swiftwater Rescue (SWR) class.
We will be holding a regional Swiftwater Rescue Clinic the weekend of July 27-28 in Coloma, California. We will have a group campsite reserved at Camp Lotus for Friday and Saturday nights.
The course will be run by Sierra Rescue. Here is a link to the description of the course: https://sierrarescue.com/course-info/river-rescue-certification/ From the website:
A DYNAMIC river rescue course specifically written and designed for river guides, private boaters, kayakers, pack rafters and other river users. Basic river skills are a prerequisite so that we can jump right in to safety and rescue skills. Emphasis is on identifying hazards, good risk assessment, and on RESCUE itself; both of self and others. Thinking through rescues is also emphasized. This is the class you want as a river runner to stay safe and know what to do if something goes wrong. Although this course meets agency Swiftwater Rescue certification requirements for river guides and kayakers; its pace allows for thorough integration of knowledge and practice of the skills that matter. This is the first of three river rescue specific courses that build upon each other. This course should be a prerequisite to anyone boating on any river anywhere! The course addresses the river rescue needs of rafters, cat boaters, kayakers, pack rafters, canoeists, riverboarders and SUP paddlers. Upon request this can also be an American Canoe Association ACA Level 4 Swiftwater Rescue course.
STUDENT REQUIREMENTS:
Students should expect and prepare for the water temperature with proper thermal protection for being in the water for much of the day. Drysuits are recommended. Any time not in the water, will be on shore, and active. Students should prepare for outside air temperatures appropriately. This is a dynamic and engaging curriculum and will require a full two-day commitment with homework at night.
Observation or participation in all of the activities and a co-signed skills check-off sheet are required to receive the certificate of completion. If a student feels uncomfortable about participating in any activity and simply wishes to observe, the Instructor should be advised. Knowing your own limits is essential to be a safe boater and rescuer; and is highly respected by our Instructors.
If you are looking for some great pre-class information, check out the http://www.rescueforriverrunners.com video series! It is fantastic! [Note: these videos show the kinds of skills the course will be covering.]
This class meets all requirements for the ACA Level 4 Swiftwater Rescue Certification.
Class size is limited. Priority will be given to veterans and those who have never taken a SWR course; nonetheless, repeat participants and civilian volunteers are strongly encouraged to apply. Veterans from outside the Western Region will be accepted on a space-available basis; transportation to and from the event will be the responsibility of the local chapter.
Application Link. <—Sign up here.
Applications will close the end of March.
Carlisle Landel
Chapter Coordinator
Team River Runner Palo Alto
and
Team River Runner Western Region Coordinator
207-266-3544
Health and Healing through Paddle Sports
Helping Our Wounded Veterans