School of Whitewater Paddling

Swiftwater Rescue

This course emphasizes rescue knowledge and skills for class II river paddling and is aimed at paddlers.  The format is 2 days of land-based/classroom topics and in-water river drills. This year we will emphasize boater-based rescues so expect to be in or on the water.  The focus will be on safe, quick solutions with the minimum gear required.  Be ready to swim!

Participants should be prepared to dress for river activities—helmet, PFD, wetsuit (protects against bruising, bumps, and scrapes –full length recommended), wetsuit booties or river shoes, appropriate thermal protection commensurate with weather and temperature, and throw bag (extras available if needed).  Bring your lunch, water, snacks, personal items, etc.  Please be prepared for conditions cooler than expected. 

Prerequisites:

Paddlers with either whitewater kayaks or whitewater canoes are welcome. Ideally, students should be able to competently maneuver their craft in at least class II whitewater. Participants should be in good health and overall fitness, possess solid swimming ability, and be comfortable swimming in moving current during river drills. 

The minimum age for SWR is 14.  

River site:  Class II whitewater

Recommended references:

  • Whitewater Rescue Manual by Walbridge & Sundmacher, 1995

  • River Rescue by Les Bechdel & Slim Ray, 1995

  • Whitewater Self-Defense video by Performance Video, 1998

Goals of the SWR class:

  • HAVE FUN learning in a river environment

  • Promote the concept of prevention for safe river trips

  • Training and practice in avoiding potentially dangerous situations

  • Practice defensive and aggressive swimming techniques useful for effecting self-rescue

  • Learn to render on-shore assistance to other paddlers with a throw bag and coiled rope

  • Practice recovering people and equipment from moving water

  • Learn Anchors and Mechanical Haul Systems