Swiftwater Rescue course in Vail Valley

[justsammer]

Hi everybody,
I am offering another swiftwater rescue course this September. Details below. Hope you can join. There is limited space, so sign up soon if you are interested. I will be away on expedition until August 23rd. If you would like to secure your spot, send your deposit, and send me an email. I will get back to you as soon as i get back, with confirmation of receiving your deposit, and answer questions.

Swiftwater Rescue course on September 6-7th, in the Vail valley.

This is an American Canoe Association (ACA) 2-day 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. 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.

Taught by an ACA certified level 5 Advanced Swiftwater Rescue instructor.

If interested, please email or call. To sign up, just send a $100 deposit to:
Sammer Elias
PO Box 1749
Leadville, CO 80461
You are signed up as soon as your deposit is received.
Look forward to hearing from you!


Sammer Elias Leadership and Rescue
justsammer@hotmail.com
970-688-0319

COURSE OVERVIEW: This workshop teaches recognition and avoidance of
common river hazards, execution of self-rescue techniques, and rescue
techniques for 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, also are practiced. Scenarios will provide
an opportunity for participants to practice their skills both individually and within a
team/group context.

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
• Develop and practice methods for recovering swimmers, and loose boats and
equipment
• Develop and practice more advanced rope-based and in-water skills
• Gain experience using the rescue PFD, and understand it’s strengths and
weaknesses
• Utilize rescue scene management principles needed within a paddling group

PARTICIPANT QUALIFICATIONS: All paddle craft are welcome. Ideally,
students should be able to competently maneuver their craft in at least class II
whitewater. 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 should 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 (e.g. neoprene layers, and/or dry top) protective footwear, boat, paddle, whistle, throw rope, 15+ feet of one inch
tubular nylon webbing, 2 locking carabiners, and 2 prusick loops (find at any climbing/alpine store). Outdoor chair or “crazy creek” type. Note paper and pen
Optional: Dry suit, two pulleys, 4 locking carabiners, rescue vest, tow strap.