ACA L3 – River Safety and Rescue Class (Cold Weather) – April 8th and 9th 2023

Location: Location will be determined as we get closer to the day of class. Boats will not be required, all locations have foot access. All locations are within 1 hour of Roanoke VA

Cold Weather: Dry suit or wet suit required. Will be cold and will be in the water.

Course Overview: The River Safety and Rescue workshop teaches recognition and avoidance of common river hazards, execution of self-rescue techniques, and simple rescues of paddlers in distress. Emphasis is placed both on personal safety and on simple, commonly used skills. Fundamental techniques for dealing with hazards that carry greater risks for both victim and rescuer, such as entrapments, and pins, also are taught. This course is aimed at whitewater boaters interested in learning fundamental river rescue skills.

Course Objectives:
• Promote proactive prevention of river accidents and injuries.
• Develop and practice key self-rescue skills.
• Identify and avoid river hazards by understanding hydrology, hazards, and river features.
• Focus on fast, low-risk strategies for early management of river accidents
• Practice methods for recovering swimmers, and loose boats and equipment