Last weekend Troy and I took an amazing river rescue class from Sierra Rescue. We saw them teaching a class on the river a few months ago and then Brandy and John got us into the August class – two long days of hard work and lots of bruises, but worth it. EVERY kayaker should take this class!
I took a swift water rescue class years ago and learned a little, but this class was so hands on that I finally feel comfortable using a lot of the rescue techniques. I don’t claim to be an expert, but now I have a new bag of tricks that will definitely help.
Since it is tailored for the kayaker (or rafter) we spent most of the time on or in the water doing the following:
- River crossings – walking across the river using different techniques
- Rope throws and maneuvers with the ropes
- Self rescue – rescuing yourself, boat and paddle after exiting out of your boat
- Bow rescues, towing people with your kayak on the front and the back of your kayak
- Swimming the river using your paddle, using yourself as the “boat”, getting into the eddies, etc.
- Various ways on how to rescue a swimmer, someone pinned, a pinned boat, and other scenarios
- Thinking out scenarios and the best way to handle each situation.
- And much much more…..
The thing about this was that the instructors put themselves in real situations and we had to work through the whole rescue. We repeated the exercises over and over until we got it and then did it some more to remember it.
I was not sure how well I could tow someone or a boat with my low volume boat, or do the hand of god, or hang out upside down until being rescued, But everything was done in such a great environment that I felt safe trying everything. Even when I failed at an exercise, I got more instruction and another chance.
I have always been very safety conscious, but now I feel that I will be calmer and able to make better decisions if in a rescue situation.
The last thing they do is a rescue scenario where you come upon a situation and have to react and rescue multiple people, some easy to see and some that were extremely hard to find. We had to work as a group and figure out how to rescue everyone and get them safely to shore.
Even though it was not “real” it was stressful and we took each rescue seriously. After all were rescued we sat around and discussed the pros and cons of each rescue. Again, we learned even more. I don’t know about you, but I sure feel better boating with people I can depend upon!
So for all of you boaters, get out and take a rescue class. To get an idea of what we did check out Sierra Rescue at sierrarescue.com and check out the pictures.
Thanks again,
Linda and Troy Van Vleck
(The class that Linda and Troy took is the River Rescue Certification-Kayaker specific course from Sierra Rescue/Rescue 3 West. Folks are having a blast. SR/RQ3W has been bringing in kayakers such as Phil DeRiemers, Austin Nickell, Jordy Margid, Rachael Moore and Phil Boyer to help put together curriculum and teach these intense scenario based courses).
