River Rescue Course

[Susan WentzParticipant]

Have you been sitting at home all winter?  Are you self-rescue skills a little rusty?  Would you like to be able to help others who went for an unexpected swim as we are approaching the 2022  white water release season?  Well I got the course for you.  It is a one day course that will help you tune up or learn to help yourself and others as the peak kayaking season is just about to start.

I  will be your illustrious Instructor: Susan (Sue) Wentz and below are the course details.  This class is for everyone.  It doesn’t matter if you have been paddling for one year or over 20 years.  Get out in a safer environment and practice/learn your skills before you get on the river.  More class details below.

You will need for the course the following:  kayak, helmet,

The first course this year will be offered on May 14th, 2022 starting at 8 am.  We will meet at the Brandywine River Museum parking lot by the Brandywine River in Chadds Ford, PA for the River Safety Course.  Bring a lunch and plenty of water to drink.

Number of students: Minimum of 3; Maximum of 10

Learn to paddle safely down the river by learn how to identify and avoid river hazards.  Learn basic rescue skills that are focused on fast low-risk strategies for early management of river accidents.  Learn things such as throwing a rope, swimming in moving water, recovering swimmers, loose boat and equipment.   This is a one day course mixed with discussion and skills.  Water level needs to be suitable to practice swimming skills.

*Prerequisite Skills: none just a good learning attitude

Course Fees: $20/course and $10 equipment fee, if applicable to course

Course Prerequisites:  All paddle craft are welcome. Boaters should be able to competently maneuver their craft in

Class I-II rapids. However, all boaters, and non-boaters with an interest in swiftwater rescue (e.g., professional

rescuers), will benefit from the class. Participants should be in good health and overall fitness, possess solid swimming

ability, and be comfortable swimming in moving current during river drills. Participants should dress appropriately for

weather and temperature and expect to be in the water for extended periods of time.

Minimum personal equipment for class: PFD designed for whitewater use, whitewater helmet, protective clothing suitable for extended swimming in cold water, protective footwear, boat, paddle, whistle, throw rope, 15+ feet of one inch tubular nylon webbing, and 2 locking carabiners.  If you don’t have all the equipment listed, I have some of the listed rescue equipment that can be purchased or borrowed at the time of the course.

Below is the link for the Level 3 course skills if you want to get an idea of the skills that will be gone over

l3_rsr_skills.pdf (americancanoe.org)

[Paul KaercherParticipant]

I can use the practice.

[Author]

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