The American Canoe Association (ACA) River Safety and Rescue workshop teaches essential boating safety; 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 primarily at new boaters, or boaters who do not anticipate paddling in whitewater (flat water paddlers).

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

Pre-Requisites
During this course we will spend time in class I-II moving water. Participants should be in overall good health, a confident swimmer, and able to hold their breath under water.

Learn more about class I-II water and river classifications

Equipment
Each participant must have the following items for class. Discounted equipment rental package is available from OAC, with advance notice.

• PFD designed for whitewater use
• whitewater helmet
• protective clothing suitable for extended swimming in cold water (wetsuit or drysuit with appropriate layers)
• protective footwear
• boat
• paddle
• whistle
• throw rope