SWRT @ LMF August 2-3

[Drifter]

Big thanks to Jim Simmons and Jim Jones for making the trip to Lower Mountain Fork this weekend to teach a few Texas and Oklahoma folks a lot about Swiftwater Rescue. Mike Gardner made the trek down from Tulsa to assist, and we all had a great time. The group of participants was a small one, First-timers were Todd and Lisa from Tulsa, Susan from Paris, Texas, and myself (for a little refresher course.)

The instructors gave us lots of individual attention, and the small group was able to get in a lot of practice throwing ropes, swimming, setting up haul systems, working with the rescue life-jackets, and participating in mock rescue scenarios. Lots of other activity, too. Definitely a full weekend - and a lot of fun.

We heard it was 106 out there, but we never had a chance to think about how hot it was. We all wore farmer john type wetsuits to protect against bruises from the rocks, etc., but the cold release-water kept us pretty comfortable throughout the course.

Thanks again to the instructors who traveled so far to help us out - we really appreciate it!

[Jim E]

Was wanting to attend but just started having to work some Saturdays. Maybe next time!!!

[Drifter]

Sorry you couldn't make it, Jim. Just keep your eyes and ears open for the next workshop - there are several instructors putting them on now and I understand they are all good. Of course, I'll be glad to show you what I know anytime we meet on the river, Jim, but it's really important to at least do the 2 day ACA course.

Jim Simmons says that the SWRT training has a "6 month half-life" and that if you "don't use it, you will lose it." That's why it's pretty important to have informal get-togethers on the river from time to time to practice up on some of the skills we learn in the classes. It would be good to get a few folks together who have taken a class to spend at least a half a day on the river practicing up.

I'll probably make a post about that sometime soon to see how much interest there might be - a lot, I hope...