Another Tragedy

[Paddlegal]

Another reminder that what we do is inherently dangerous.

http://www.perryvillenews.com/opinion/a ... 0f31a.html

[Canoe_Codger]

Thank you for sharing this. It was well written and emotion packed, made several great points. And to me at least, underscores the other recent successes and tragedies in river rescue. IMHO, many "official" first responders are finally coming to recognize that a lot of dedicated recreational boaters have the training, skills and equipment to effect swift water rescue during those first golden minutes, sometimes surpassing those of the official rescuers, and quite often they are on the scene selflessly working before official help can even be on the road. In large part, I contribute this to organizations in the paddling community like the Arkansas Canoe Club, the membership and their dedication to continuing education. I don't know if an ACC member or members were involved in this particular rescue effort or not, but it would not surprise me in the least. And regardless of the sad outcome in this case, for that, on principle, you all have my thanks.

Michael

[Cowper]

This has me thinking about the question, "who should sign up for one of the rescue clinics?"

In the past, there was a general trend of thought that suggested this was something you should do relatively later in your paddling progression, and only necessary if you wanted to start running "harder" whitewater, whatever that meant to you.

And while I think it is true that anyone running the meat should sign up for one of these courses (even if you already know some of the stuff covered in the course), the truth seems to be that those frequently plying our Class I and II streams are equally likely to find themselves in a position to use those skills. And maybe more likely to be the only one present with the knowledge to change the course of events. Just ask we66no1 about a recent weekend on the Spring - in one day he extracted two different people from heads-down pins; one of which required CPR but was brought back.

If you're a paddler, but you've been thinking "I don't need that yet...", this is something to consider. And for those that didn't already know this, I'll add that you do NOT have to be a proficient paddler to gain from these courses. Much of the focus is on how to stay out of trouble, and the skills taught are still useful regardless of your current paddling skill level.

[Canoe_Codger]

I guess I am on the other end of the paddler experience spectrum, a case of "the older I get, the better I was". I suggest that even rank beginners today could greatly benefit from the training. And improve their own safety as well as that of others. My own experience has been that while I have almost never been the one requiring assistance (I am at the age/physical condition where I expect that to change), I have nearly every year been in the position of giving assistance, large or small, to others in both moving and still waters. And most of this before canoeing/kayaking became as popular as it is today. The need and opportunity to render assistance has never been greater. Even this spring, I was amazed at the number of people on the river with no PFD on, both weak and even NON-swimmers. But even a strong swimmer wearing a good PFD can get in trouble in a heartbeat. I would personally be more than pleased to hear that every class was full and more were needed to fill the demand.

Michael

[SteveGabbard]

Cowper is absolutely on track. The classes are physically demanding but do not require you to paddle at a certain skill level to attend them. If you do feel to tired or just not comfortable about a certain exercise you can always opt out. You will still learn from observing it. If you paddle any moving water there is no doubt you would benefit from one of the swift water rescue classes offered this summer. And a Red Cross CPR and first aid, if not wilderness first aid, as well.

[Deuce]

Yep. It's something I've been wanting to do and I'll finally be able in two weeks. Really looking forward to spending some more time with Arthur and Steve and some of my paddling family and gaining some skills that will make me feel more comfy taking my girls down river. Yet another great thing the ACC does.

[Jetlab67]

Yes, I agree - a sobering reminder of the inherent risk and personal/group responsibility to mitigate it. I was in this area beginning last Tuesday through Sunday paddling the NF White, 11-Point, Jacks Fork and Spring with folks from Springfield and Saint Louis. The drowning was the talk of the river on the JF, but except for our group and a few kids, nobody was wearing PFDs. On the 11-Point we repeatedly stopped to assist people (including kids) caught in strainers. Fortunately all had positive outcomes except for some lost gear (and beer). Having responsibly operated jet boats on the lower Current for many years I can attest to their value in this type of situation. Even though there's animus on some rivers between paddlers and jetboaters I've never seen either camp not stop to help one another. Hells Canyon on the Snake is a good example of cooperative spirit and even reliance. There will always be nitwits on both sides who have a hard time with acceptance and responsibility. I'll be at Tom's L4 class this weekend, open-minded and eager to learn.

Jetlab