POP QUIZ: DO YOU KNOW YOUR FLOWS?

Someone Doesn't Look Thrilled!

Guides say It's all about the flow. Is that true? How well do you know your river and how it changes at different flows? Answer these questions and see how prepared you are as a rescuer. What river do you paddle on, guide on or work as a rescuer on?  

Where do you get your flow information? What specific gauge? 

What accesses become inaccessible at low water? At High water?  

What is the float time between accesses or evacuation points at high water, medium flows and lower flows? 

What hazards appear or disappear as river levels rise in the spring? 

When, where and what type of accidents are most likely to occur on your river? 

What is your communications plan in case of an emergency? 

What is the best flow and location (s) to conduct rescue training? 

Defensive Swimming: Whitewater Survival

You are on a spring whitewater rafting trip, paddling hard, when the raft hits a huge wave and the "unsinkable" happens; you are swimming unintentionally in the middle of a rapid. Swimming is not really the right word for is happening at first, it's more like the rapid is chewing on you, swishing you around, and enveloping you in liquid power. Now's a good time to remind yourself that this is an adventure. A little preparation and good technique can go a long way towards minimizing risk and even making it fun.

Swiftwater Rescue Class in Montana

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             

Swiftwater Rescue Class

Missoula, MT

April 19-21                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  

Whitewater Rescue & River Safety Class Offered 

A Whitewater Rescue Technician class will be offered on the Clark Fork and Blackfoot Rivers near Missoula April 19-21.  The twenty hour class is being hosted by local whitewater outfitter Montana River Guides and is designed for novice river paddlers, professional whitewater guides and rescuers who want to be better prepared to prevent and respond to river accidents.