Almost forgot - Crib cards make an excellent addition to any rescue class. Both NRS and AW make a set but the AW is more comprehensive, covering both rescue and extrication as well as additional issues such as Survival techniques, CPR, Basic First Aid, Rescue Signals, how to deal with shoulder dislocation in the field, and more. Both are available on the NRS webpage under 'books and videos', not 'safety'. For $16 you can't afford NOT to have them. Other good safety/rescue reading to do before, during, and after the class is any and all River Safety Reports and River Safety Anthology, both by Charlie Walbridge and both available from the American Canoe Association. Check their website
www.acanet.org. Reading about death is not the most fun way to pass time, but learning from others' mistakes will help keep you and the people you boat with alive.
Paddle safe - Scott