Events - Event View
This is the "Event Detail" view, showing all available information for this event.
If registration is required or recommended, click the 'Register' button to start the process.
If the event has passed, click the "Event Report" button to read a report and view photos that were uploaded.
River Rescue Clinic
River Safety and Rescue Class
We're excited to share that Don Martin from River Recreation provide our River Safety and Rescue Training class for the third consecutive year!
Meeting location and time will be provided via email the night prior to class. Potential locations include the NF Skykomish River in Index, the Green River at Kanaksat-Palmer, and possibly the Cedar River gates at Landsburg (Maple Valley).
General Admin
There will be lots of standing around and multiple river swims, so please ensure you dress appropriately; a drysuit is mandatory, as well as full PPE. Bring lunch, snacks, hot drinks and plenty of water to stay hydrated.
We would appreciate your feedback after the course as this enables us to continue to tweak future course content and delivery to ensure your needs are met.
Don Martin has been involved in whitewater rafting and kayaking for 30 years, is a level 4 American Canoe Association river rescue instructor, and has rafted and kayaked rivers from Alaska to Peru and everywhere in between. Don currently owns River Recreation, a commercial rafting company in Monitor, Washington, the only factory-authorized repair facility of Aire inflatables in Washington state.
This class is great for a beginning whitewater kayaker, or a paddler looking to tune up some rescue skill basics.
The required minimum number of students is 6.
Course Topics:
The course will prioritize life saving techniques. The focus will be on rescue equipment typically carried whilst on the river, and how it should be used in a rescue situation.
- Hazard avoidance and recognition
- Swimming in rivers and rapids
- Rescue priorities
- Risk assessment
- Self-rescue / group rescue priorities
- Throw bags
- Contact rescues
- Foot entrapment drill
- Shallow water crossings
- Incident emergency assessment and mitigation.
- Hypothermia
Options if time permits:
Medical conditions and other valuable topics.
Bring:
All rescue gear you carry in your kayak (throw rope, carabiners, pulley, prusik loop, webbing, etc.)
Lunch. Please dress warmly.
Cost:
WKC's 2024 member price is $139, which is a $10 discount.
River education, knots you should be familiar with:
To assist during rescue situations, paddlers should be able to confidently tie water, figure of 8, bowline and prusik knots. For your assistance, we have created and attached a 'knots/anchor/belay how to' document. Click on the buttons below and be sure you are ready for class..
WKC WW Rescue Course - Knots and Anchors
WKC WW Rescue Course - Z-drag and Vector
Once you have completed your trip, contact WKC Safety Chair.
Aaron