Whitewater Safety
The Colorado Whitewater Association is dedicated to promoting the safe enjoyment of whitewater sports in the Colorado and Rocky Mountain Region. To this end, CW offers whitewater safety and rescue courses each year for members of the CW. The courses include a one day Basic Whitewater Safety Clinic and a Rescue Weekend Course.
We are pleased to announce:
Saturday and Sunday, July 18 and 19
Two-Day Swiftwater Rescue Course
This course teaches safety gear and how to use it, river running strategy and communication, accident prevention, leadership, and rescue techniques. The class will be put through real life rescue scenarios to practice their skills.
This is a great course for intermediate paddlers who are beginning to lead beginners and other boaters down river. We will focus on group dynamics and communication including hand signals and river running strategies. These are important skills for groups of kayakers, and will set a solid basis for leading safe trips and avoiding accidents and rescue situations. We will also practice basic rescue skills and learn some valuable techniques for executing safe and effective rescues. The basic rescue situations will include rescuing swimmers while in a kayak, rescuing multiple swimmers, rescuing runaway boats and gear, and setting safety from shore. The course will stress the importance of communication and teamwork to effectively lead safe trips and deal with rescue situations when they arise.
Skill Requirements: Reliable Roll/Class III ability is requested (Contact the Safety Director with questions)
What to bring: All of the gear as mentioned for Beginner class. Close-toed shoes are strongly recommended (rather than sandals) as there will be a lot of time spent on rocky river banks. Also, bring any safety gear that you own such as throw bags, pulleys, webbing, prussic, etc., for use in the exercises.
Instructor: Nick Wigston, ACA certified swiftwater safety instructor
Class location: Front Range -TBD
Class times: TBD
Class size: 10 people - sign up NOW!
Cost: only $110 per person
Register: Contact markc@coloradowhitewater.org
720-981-3213 evenings
CW's Focus on River Safety
Personal Preparedness and Responsibility
- Wear a life jacket and helmet.
- Dress for cold water.
- Boat with a partner.
- Know your ability.
- Know the river.
It is the responsibility of every club member to maintain this high standard of Whitewater Safety.
CW firmly supports the AW Safety Code and strongly encourages all paddlers to adopt it
http://www.americanwhitewater.org/content/Wiki/do-op/id/safety:start
Additional Safety Resources
Information provided by Princeton University Outdoor Action Program on how to run a safe river trip and hypothermia & cold weather injuries.
