SWR Courses for Western Slope Boaters

[brendodendo]

I keep seeing SWR courses for the front range and southern CO.

Are Mike Mather or Nick Wigston doing any courses in the Vail or Glenwood area?

I know the raft companies do a few courses, anybody have any dates?

I have never done an SWR class, and feel the it might be time to invest in more knowledge. Especially with all the water this year.

BP

[N. Wigston]

we would be happy to set one up in that area if there was enough interest. Do you have a group of friends that may want to do a course?

[Rocky Mountain Rescue]

Rocky Mountain Rescue Center and Rescue 3 International are hosting a Whitewater Rescue Technician course May 25th, 26th and 27th on Clear Creek in Idaho Springs and another course June 1st, 2nd and 3rd on the Arkansas River in Buena Vista.

The cost of the course is $325 per person. For more information and to register you can contact RMRC at rockymountainrescue@gmail.com or by phone at 719-221-6716. We are also available to set up additional courses and private instruction by request.

Information on the WRT course and curriculum is listed below and at Rescue 3 International

Whitewater Rescue Technician
This course is designed specifically for professional guides, private boaters, and others who work or play on or around fast flowing water. Students will benefit from this intensive, hands-on course and will learn to use techniques and simple equipment to assess and perform river rescues. Presented in a two and a half day format, this course focuses on real problems that students may face. The emphasis is on speedy, low-tech, and improvised rescue techniques that are effective and require minimal equipment.

This course teaches recognition and avoidance of common river hazards, execution of self-rescue techniques, and simple to complex rescues of paddlers in distress. Emphasis is placed both on personal safety and on simple, commonly used skills. Techniques for dealing with hazards that carry greater risks for both victim and rescuer, such as strainers, rescue vest applications, entrapments, and pins, are also practiced. Realistic scenarios will provide an opportunity for participants to practice their skills both individually and within a team/group context.

Equipment Needed
· Full wetsuit or drysuit
· Lightweight water or kayaking helmet
· USCG Type III or V approved lifejacket/PFD
· Thick-soled water booties or tennis shoes
· Gloves are optional but helpful in cold weather

Prerequisites
· 18 years of age or older
· Adequate health insurance coverage
· Basic swimming ability
· Good physical condition

[grandyoso]

A friend and I are taking a SWR class in Green river on June 6-8. Its through the Carbon County Rec Department. Last time I checked there were two spots left and the cost was $175. There is also another on July 18-20. I have heard good things about the class from other Buzzers. There number is 435-636-3702.

Here is the original post with others opinions.
Swift Water Rescue / Oar Rig Captain Training

[DanRauer]

I would be interested in one here on the Western Slope as well. I have no time to get out to Idaho Springs or Green River, UT. I'm sure there are several others here in the Roaring Fork Valley that would be interested in that as well.

Dan

[Porkchop]

I did a weekend course w/ mathers in vail last season thru Alpine Quest Sports. It was an awsome class and i highly recommend it. I'm sure if you call the folks at Alpine Quest they could give ya more beta 970-926-3867

[steven]

I know Matt At Telluride kayak school does them as well. 970 728 6250

[brendodendo]

Nick, How many people do we need to have to fill a class?


Any RFV rafters or kayakers that are interested, post here.

[justsammer]

I am offering a 2 day Swiftwater Rescue course at the end of May/beginning of June, in the Vail valley, or very near by. I have been advertising through a couple of front range clubs, but it is open to everyone.
I am just waiting to hear back on which dates people prefer, and enrollment. Either June 7-8th, or May 31st/June 1st. If you're interested, let me know, and let me know which weekend works best for you. I am going to choose the weekend that works for the participants.
This is an American Canoe Association (ACA) 2-day Basic Swiftwater Rescue Course, and is designed to teach both river rescue techniques and safe river-running practices in all river craft. It will be catered to the paddling interests and boat types of the participants. My emphasis is on judgment and managing river rescue situations, as well as river rescue techniques that can be performed with a minimum of equipment. Rescuing swimmers and pinned boats will be covered as well. The cost will be $215.
I am an ACA certified level 5 Advanced Swiftwater Rescue instructor. If interested, please email or call. Look forward to hearing from you! Cheers,
Sammer
justsammer@hotmail.com
970-688-0319

[WhiteLightning]

Brenden, call Lakota in a week or two. I think Mather is coming in for guide training and SWR training and usually does a few classes through Alpine Quest or CMC while he is in the area.