River canoeing is a wet sport! Sometimes very wet, like when you find yourself bobbing down a rapid beside your capsized canoe. More hazardous situations can occur too, although rarely if precautions are followed. The RCABC River Rescue Program is designed by canoeists for canoeists to develop skills to handle difficult situations. Too often paddlers rely on the most experienced rescuer in the group and don't get an opportunity to develop their own skills. The River Rescue Program encourages all river canoesits to be skilled participants and rescue leaders.
RCABC RIVER RESCUE CERTIFICATIONS:
RCABC RIVER RESCUE LEVEL 1
WHO IS THIS COURSE FOR?
RCABC River Rescue Level 1 is for anyone that is paddling on moving water. It recognizes that capsizes are inevitable and the best strategy is to learn to deal with them quickly and safely. River rescue Level 1 is an in depth practice session of what to do after capsize in a variety of situations.
It can be tailored to meet the specific needs of your paddling style, such as:
- Wilderness river tripping (skirted or loaded canoes)
- Whitewater playboating
- Solo or tandem canoeists
The course is excellent for canoeists in leadership roles, but was developed to help all canoeists build their rescue and self rescue ability and confidence
PREREQUISITES - RCABC Moving Water Level 1 or 2 (tandem or solo) or equivalent experience. Canoeists must have good control of the canoe on moving water to participate. A first aid certificate is strongly recommended.
DURATION – 16 hours
CONTENT
River Rescue I -II
- Theory session: safety do's and don'ts, gear, etc.
- Throw bag rescues of swimmers
- Swimming variations
- Self rescues with canoe
- Capsize assisted rescues (towing swimmers, throwbagging, Sandwich Rescue, T & Parallell, short and long line tows, bumping)
- Progressive practice starting with "dry rescues" leading to rescues with people in the water
- Optional content such as Eskimo rolls, skirted canoe and loaded canoe rescue practice
RCABC RIVER RESCUE LEVEL 2
WHO IS THIS COURSE FOR?
RCABC River Rescue Level 2 is for any canoeist that would like to develop the ability to help themselves or others if there is a more serious canoeing emergency. This can include pinned canoes, stranded swimmers or even swimmers entrapped in wood or rock. Technical use of ropes, slings, carabiners, pulleys and other technical equipment is covered. Emphasis is on the quickest, simplest way to help yourself or someone else.
It can be tailored to meet the specific needs of your paddling style, such as:
- Wilderness river tripping (skirted or loaded canoes)
- Whitewater playboating
- Solo or tandem canoeists
The course is excellent for canoeists in leadership roles, but was developed to help all canoeists build their rescue and self rescue ability and confidence
PREREQUISITES – RCABC River Rescue Level 1. First aid certificate is strongly recommended
DURATION – 16 hours
CONTENT
River Rescue I -II
- Theory session or review of Level 1 theory and rescue gear
- Foot entrapment, wood debris entrapment, optional pfd entrapment
- Tethered rescues (optional)
- Wading – single and group
- Getting a rope across the river
- Using a canoe as a rescue vehicle (including catamaran)
- Pinned canoe rescues (simple to complex)
- Scenarios to develop leadership and decision making
RCABC RIVER RESCUE INSTRUCTOR
WHO IS THIS COURSE FOR?
The RCABC River Rescue Instructor certificate enables the instructor to teach RCABC River Rescue courses, Level 1&2. The certificate is for people dedicated to becoming river canoeing leaders in BC, and spread knowledge of canoeing river rescue and safety.
PREREQUISITES
- RCABC Moving Water Instructor and RCABC River Rescue Level 1 & 2
- Current advanced first aid certificate is required (recommended 40 hour wilderness first aid)
DURATION – Variable depending on background and experience. Minimum of four days of co-teaching.
CONTENT
- Minimum of one co-teach of River Rescue Level 1&2 with a River Rescue Instructor
- A thorough knowledge of the material in those levels is required
- Candidate must demonstrate a keen attitude toward safety and preparation.
