Arkansas Canoe Club Forums

Have you ever had that nagging thought that you really should learn what to do when things go wrong on the river? I can't get out on the water very often which always leaves me feeling like a beginner all over again. However, I've been in some situations where something could have been deadly (strainers) and some near misses. I have now taken (or survived, at least) the Level 4 and Level 5 SWR courses with Tom Burroughs. He's a great instructor and has a wealth of knowledge. We worked on Live Bait Rescue techniques when someone's caught in a hole. We built a zipline and a catamaran from two boats for transporting the injured. We built a z drag for pulling boats out of the water. Admittedly, Level 5 was physically grueling, but you at least need the skills from Level 4. You would want your fellow paddlers to help you if you couldn't self-rescue. Now, if only I could get my roll...

I agree it was a full hands on course and a lot of real life practical work and a ton of fun. You did great Sandy, way to push yourself out of your boundaries!

I third that motion . Noticed there was two post on this class & it deserved it.

The level 5 course is definitely a great one to take. All hands on real life rescue scenarios. You will swim, rescue from strainers, swim, tow people, rescue unconscious victims, swim, lots of live bait rescues, anchors, rope work, mechanical advantages, swim some more and put all of these together in real life situations. Tom Burroughs is definitely a great instructor and puts many real world twists and his own experiences into the teaching. Not only do you learn valuable rescue techniques at a dirt cheap fee compared to other ACA SWR courses, you also have a fun weekend campout with your new and old rescue friends. Thanks to Tom, Lorraine, Judy and safety Adam for an informative and fun weekend.