River Safety and Rescue Class
I'm excited to share that this weekend's swiftwater rescue course will be held on the North Fork of the Skykomish River. Everyone who registered should meet at 10.00 at the Index general store on the day of their course.
Rain is forecast all weekend with a high of 60º. 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 tweak future course content to ensure your needs are met.
Google map pin: https://goo.gl/maps/BufzPhiWVH8Urrss8
Don Martin will present a course on river safety and rescue techniques. Don 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 in Washington state.
This class is great for a beginning whitewater kayaker, or even a kayaker looking to tune up their rescue skills.
May 15th (9am - 5pm)
Maximum 11 participants
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.
River, location will be confirmed the week prior to the course.
Bring:
All rescue gear you carry in your kayak (throw rope, carabiners, pulley, prusik loop, webbing, etc.)
Lunch. Please dress warmly: you will be getting wet and likely to swim.
Cost:
$100 (Full price)
$50 (1/2 off if you lead just 1 WKC Trip in 2022, reimbursed after you have completed your 2022 WKC Trip)
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