2010 RIVER CLASSES: Swiftwater Rescue & Rafting

Montana River Guides and The Whitewater Rescue Institute are offering a variety of rafting and river rescue training Spring 2010 throughout Western Montana. The classes are being taught by Mike Johnston and Cody Harris and certified through the Whitewater Rescue Institute. Here's a tentative calendar of 2010 River Rescue and Guide Classes. We're still firming up some of the dates as we hear from agencies and organizations that are working out their training schedules.

2010 River Rescue & Rafting Classes

March 14-20 Professional River Guide School Alberton Gorge

Mar 29-Apr 4 Professional River Guide School Missoula, MT
April 10 River Rescue Class Missoula, MT

April 11 Intro to Whitewater Rafting Class Missoula, MT

April 16-18 Swiftwater Rescue-Technician Missoula, MT
May 1-2 Swiftwater Rescue-Technician Kalispell,MT

May TBA Swiftwater Rescue-Technician Thompson Falls

May 7-9 Swiftwater Rescue Technician Absarokee, MT

May 15-16 Swiftwater Rescue Technician Dillon, MT

May 17-19 Swiftwater Rescue-Technician Missoula, MT
May 17-21 Raft Guide School Alberton Gorge
May 20-21 Whitewater Rafting Workshop Missoula, MT

May 22-23 Swiftwater Rescue Technician Bozeman, MT

May 29 Whitewater Rescue for Paddlers Billings, MT
May 29-31 Swiftwater Rescue-Technician Big Sky, MT

May TBA Swiftwater Rescue Gardiner, MT
June 4-6 Swiftwater Rescue-Technician West Glacier

June 11-13 Swiftwater Rescue-Technician Missoula, MT
June 11-15 Raft Guide School Alberton Gorge

June 14-15 Whitewater Rafting Workshop Blackfoot River
June Rafting & Kayaking Adventure Camp Alberton Gorge
June Kayaking Adventure Camp Alberton Gorge
June Intermediate Kayaking Camp Alberton Gorge

COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

Swift Water Rescue Technician: A two and a half to three day course designed for raft guides and private boaters, the SRT is a 20 plus hour class with a half day of classroom instruction followed by two plus days developing and practicing skills on the river. While the initial emphasis is safety & self rescue, the class offers an in-depth look at reading water, recognizing and avoiding hazards, quick rescue techniques, boat-based rescues, dealing with boat wraps and entrapments, technical rescue systems, and a variety of practical scenarios. We analyze footage of actual river rescues in the classroom and progress from a solid foundation of rescue skills and practice into rescue scenarios on the river. The class is challenging, fun and tailored to the students needs. A manual, test, patch, I.D. card, and certification are included. Cost: $335

RAFT GUIDE SCHOOL: We offer two to five day classes designed for people wanting to lead river trips. We focus on safety, reading water, and guiding paddle rafts through Class II, III and IV whitewater. Topics include trip preparation, safety talks, equipment, rigging, boat handling, communications, paddle commands, and rescue techniques. Our five day Raft Guide School combines river instruction with a certified Swiftwater Rescue Technician class the first two days. On days three, four and five you'll guide whitewater raft trips on the Blackfoot River and Alberton Gorge. The course includes a Whitewater Rescue Technician certification and certificate of completion. Tuition: $455

PROFESSIONAL RIVER GUIDE SCHOOL: A seven day comprehensive course designed for students interested in becoming professional river guides. The class integrates certified Wilderness Emergency Medicine and River Rescue training with hands-on guide training while running the river each day. Guide topics covered include equipment, boatrigging, trip preparation, risk management, reading water, and rafting class II, III and IV whitewater. Students practice and develop medical skills in river rescue scenarios during guide training on the river. The course is hosted at the Alberton Gorge Ranch near Missoula, Montana. Upon course completion students receive certifications in CPR, Wilderness First Aid and Swiftwater Rescue. No experience necessary. Tuition: $795

WHITEWATER RAFTING WORKSHOP
A full weekend of whitewater instruction and river skills practice for novice river guides and recreational boaters. One evening of lecture and discussion followed by two full days on the Blackfoot River and Alberton Gorge. We’ll focus on reading water and guiding paddle crews through Class II and III whitewater. Topics include trip preparation, safety talks, rigging boats, communications, paddle commands, boat handling, and rescue scenarios.: $185

Dates: May 20-21

June 14-15
Equipment: You will need a full wetsuit or drysuit; a pair of neoprene booties and gloves, a helmet (w/skullcap or hat); and a lifejacket. Personal equipment rentals are available from Montana River Guides for $25 the first day of class. Bring a lunch, water and extra dry, warm top & bottom layers such as fleece and polypropelene.

Registration: Register by calling to confirm space in the class. We require a 50% deposit to hold your spot. Just call and give us a credit card number or send the deposit and your contact information to: Montana River Guides 761 Hidden Valley Rd, Florence MT 59833. Agency billing can be arranged over the phone. If the course is cancelled or you cancel more than three weeks prior to the class a full refund will be made--otherwise you may forfeit your deposit. For specific directions, a class outline, and lodging info, call Mike or Cody, at (406)-777-4837. For more information check our website at www.montanariverguides.com.
Mike Johnston, Instructor
Phone: 406-77-RIVER or 406-240-0560 (cell)
Email: rivers@montana.com
http://www.montanariverguides.com
www.riverboardingmontana.blogspot.com
www.riverrescue.blogspot.com

Off Duty S&R Members Respond to Kayak Accident

In August Montana River Guides invited former students and friends from our Swiftwater Rescue Courses to the Alberton Gorge for a series of riverboard trips. Led by WRI Instructor Mike Johnston, the trips were an attempt to get rescuers from different agencies together for a fun day of surfing and running the river. On the afternoon trip Sunday August 9th, Johnston and several riverboarders from Missoula County and Sanders County Search & Rescue Teams had just run Tumbleweed Rapid when they saw several rafts and kayaks pulled over on river right with some of the boaters performing CPR on a kayaker. Everyone on the trip helped with the evacuation of the patient to a rendezvous point with the Alberton and Missoula EMS crews . Special thanks to Mike Bedick of Sanders Co S&R, Joe Blattner, Shane Stack, Scott Nash and RJ Nelson of Missoula County S&R, private boaters Kevin & Danielle along with Yael and the crew at Montana River Guides for helping out in pretty tough circumstances. We felt fortunate to have so many experienced, capable rescue people on scene on riverboards ready to lend a hand. More info at--http://www.missoulian.com/news/local/article_a137c312-8636-11de-8037-001cc4c002e0.html

WHIT

Glacier National Park Training

Back on our home rivers after a stint teaching classes up on the North Fork and the Middle Fork of the Flathead River in Glacier National Park. Cody represented the Whitewater Rescue Institute at the National S & R Conference in Little Rock Arkansas and returned to teach in Glacier and down on the Big Hole with Jon A. for Beaverhead S&R. Thanks to the Glacier Institute and the guides at Wild River Adventures for hosting Swiftwater Classes. It was great to go back to Wild River in West Glacier and see so many familiar faces we've been lucky to work with over the years. Brenda, Big Mark, Mike, Brian, Bob and crew made us feel right at home. What a great group of guides! Cody & I snuck up to the North Fork wave for some evening surf sessions...that is an amazing wave...big, wide, fast, glassy with a big enough trough for our long boats (Thanks for the shuttle Corey in the subaru mini wagon)

Montana Trauma Symposium

It's been a busy week. Montana River Guides coordinated the Swiftwater Rescue Training component of the recent Missoula Trauma Conference for regional EMS providers. Members of Missoula County Search & Rescue and Missoula City Fire Department helped out with the training by demonstrating rescue techniques on the Clark Fork River. Aerie Backcountry Medicine set up field strategy stations for hypothermia and patient packaging. Thanks Jamie & Mike from City Fire--and RJ, Elise, Shane, Ben, Mike and Becca from MC S & R.

Yellowstone & Gallatin Rescue Classes

We just completed two swiftwater classes in Big Sky country. Thanks to Geyser Whitewater Expeditions for hosting a class on the Gallatin River and to Wild West Rafting for holding a class opn the Yellowstone Rivers. Great classes, big water, and awesome students. BOth classes were highlighted by highwater riverboard excursions. I experienced Gagoosh on the Gallatin and had a great run with the first year guides from Wild West on the Yellowstone.

Entrapment Scenario!

Cody Harris on the job --goes deep blue to play the victim on the Clearwater River in a recent class. Students in the swiftwater class had to size up the situation and react. What would you do?
a. Access and Stabilize
b. Vomit and Faint
c. Panic and Shart
d. Loan him your toothbrush

More Swiftwater Classes in Yellowstone, Glacier & Missoula

More swiftwater rescue training!
We have availability in the following classes:
May 20-21 Alberton Gorge, MT
May 23-25 Gallatin River- Big Sky,
May 26-27 Yellowstone River -Yellowstone Park,
June 5-7 Flathead River -Glacier Nat'l Park,
June 19-21 Clark Fork River- Missoula, MT

For more info visit Montana River Guides

Gallatin River Rescue Class

Every year we head over to the mighty Gallatin River in May and teach a couple of swiftwater rescue classes. In this photo students used a stabilization line in an entrapment scenario. The first Gallatin Class is scheduled for May 16-17. The second is scheduled for May 23-25. Call 240-0560 for details or visit www.montanariverguides.com

Swiftwater Rescue Class, Rexburg Idaho

We just returned from teaching a Swiftwater Rescue class with folks from the outdoor program at BYU. Thanks to Scott and Morris for helping put together a great course on the Fall River and the Henry's Fork of the Snake River. A crew of guides from Solitude Float Trips in Jackson Hole came over and participated in the class. They guide scenic float trips in Grand Teton National Park on the Snake River. Make sure to look them up if you're ever over there. Montana River Guides provided all of the gear for the class. Cody Harris from the Whitewater Rescue Institute sacrificed his body and drysuit with extra effort as a victim in the boat pin scenarios. That is beautiful country down there--we saw moose and an otter during the class. One moose hung out beneath the bridge all day during the class on Friday. Thanks to all of the students for being gung-ho and to Caleb and Paul for coming over from Idaho Falls and helping out.

Former Student --HEROIC RESCUE!

Miles City Firefighter/Paramedic Branden Stevens' Swiftwater Rescue Skills were tested recently when a man was trapped in a truck submerged in the Tongue River. Branden, who participated in one of our classes in 2007, sent us a couple photos of their successful rescue of a hypothermic victim who was rescued and revived. WAY TO GO BRANDEN!


Mike,

"I JUST WANT TO SAY THANKS SO MUCH FOR THE TRAINING THAT YOU PROVIDED! With out it, the patient would have died for sure, we had no water rescue training prior to me attending your course in may of 2007."

Let me know if you can use anything else!

Branden Stevens

Swiftwater Rescue Class for WCKA

We ran our first Swiftwater Rescue Class of the season in mid March on the Clark Fork River's Alberton Gorge. Students and staff from the World Class Kayak Academy (WCKA)participated in the class along with Ravalli County Search & Rescue Team Member Will Buzzell. Still snow on the banks, so the water was refreshing, but everyone in the class had a drysuit so the temps were no problem. The great thing about kayakers is that they never complain about conditions--they're used to a fair amount of discomfort outdoors.

If you haven't heard of WCKA, they're an amazing non-profit accredited high school that takes kids all over the world paddling the best whitewater in places like Uganda, China, Chile & Montana. The kids are future paddling legends, the staff are paddling legends,...for more info and some great paddling entertainment --check out their website, www.worldclassacademy.com


In the class students practiced rescuing conscious and unconscious victims, dealt with entrapment situaions, dealt with boat pins, organized hasty searches, set up a zip line, and much more. The day after class was over they were headed for northern california...to explore some of that stuff. Good luck WCKA Crew.

2009 Class Calendar

March 18-19 Swiftwater Rescue Class Alberton Gorge, MT
March 21-22 Swiftwater Rescue/EMS for Wilderness EMT Cass with AERIE
March 22-26 Spring Break Guide School Alberton Gorge, MT
March 28-30 Whitewater Rafting Workshop Missoula, MT
March 28-April 2 Raft Guide School Alberton Gorge, MT
April 9-11 Whitewater Rescue Technician Rexburg, Idaho
April 18-19 Whitewater Rescue Technician Missoula, MT
April 24-26 Swiftwater Rescue Technician Missoula, MT
April 29 Missoula City Fire Scenarios Missoula, MT
May 2-3 Whitewater First Responder Bigfork, MT
May 1-3 Swiftwater Rescue Technician Thompson Falls, MT
May 5-6 Whitewater First Responder Glacier National Park
May 16-17 Whitewater Rescue Technician Bozeman, MT
May 18-20 Swiftwater Rescue Technician Missoula, MT
May 18-22 Raft Guide School Alberton Gorge, MT
May 23-25 Whitewater Rescue Technician Big Sky, MT
June 5-7 Whitewater Rescue Technician West Glacier, MT
June 12-16 Raft Guide School Alberton Gorge, MT
June TBA Whitewater Rescue Technician Gardiner, MT
June TBA Swiftwater Rescue Technician Great Falls, MT
June TBA Swiftwater Rescue Technician Idaho Falls, ID
June TBA Swiftwater First Responder Madison River, MT
June 18-22 Rafting & Kayaking Adventure Camp Alberton Gorge Ranch
June 25-28 Kayaking Adventure Camp Alberton Gorge Ranch
June 30-July 2 Intermediate Kayaking Camp Alberton Gorge Ranch

Swiftwater Rescue Technician

Swiftwater Rescue Technician
*The Course for Professional Rescuers & Firefighters Swiftwater Rescue Technician-1(SRT 1) is an intensive 24 hour class with one day of classroom instruction followed by two days developing and practicing skills on the river. While the initial emphasis is safety & self rescue, the class offers an in-depth look at reading water, recognizing and avoiding hazards, quick rescue techniques, boat-based rescues, dealing with boat wraps and entrapments, technical rescue systems, and a variety of practical scenarios. The class is challenging, fun and tailored to the students needs. The class meets NFPA training standards for professional rescuers and firefighters. Tuition: $335

Swiftwater Rescue & Guide Training 2009

RESCUE 3 MONTANA is offering a variety of rafting and river rescue training Spring 2009 throughout Western Montana. The classes are being taught by Mike Johnston and Cody Harris. Here's a tentative calendar of 2009 River Rescue and Guide Classes. If you would like to host a class in your area, please let us know and we'll create a class at a time and place that is best for your team.

COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
Whitewater Rescue Technician: A two and a half day course designed for raft guides and private boaters, the Whitewater Rescue Technician is a 20 hour class with a half day of classroom instruction followed by two days developing and practicing skills on the river. While the initial emphasis is safety & self rescue, the class offers an in-depth look at reading water, recognizing and avoiding hazards, quick rescue techniques, boat-based rescues, dealing with boat wraps and entrapments, technical rescue systems, and a variety of practical scenarios. We analyze footage of actual river rescues in the classroom and progress from a solid foundation of rescue skills and practice into rescue scenarios on the river. The class is challenging, fun and tailored to the students needs. A manual, test, patch, I.D. card, and certification are included. Cost: $295

RAFT GUIDE SCHOOL: We offer two to five day classes designed for people wanting to lead river trips. We focus on safety, reading water, and guiding paddle rafts through Class II, III and IV whitewater. Topics include trip preparation, safety talks, equipment, rigging, boat handling, communications, paddle commands, and rescue techniques. Our five day Raft Guide School combines river instruction with a certified Whitewater Rescue Technician class the first two days. On days three, four and five you'll guide whitewater raft trips on the Blackfoot River and Alberton Gorge. The course is hosted at the Alberton Gorge Ranch and includes a Whitewater Rescue Technician certification and certificate of completion. Tuition: $435

Spring Break Raft Guide School March 21-25
April Raft Guide School March 26-28 & April 3-5
May Raft Guide School : May 18-22
June Raft Guide School: June 12-16
Wilderness First Aid March 26,27 Wilderness First Aid April 3-5

PROFESSIONAL RIVER GUIDE SCHOOL:
A seven-day comprehensive course designed for students interested in becoming professional river guides. The class integrates certified Wilderness Emergency Medicine and River Rescue training with hands-on guide training while running the river each day. Guide topics covered include equipment, boatrigging, trip preparation, risk management, reading water, and rafting class II, III and IV whitewater. Students practice and develop medical skills in river rescue scenarios during guide training on the river. The course is hosted by the Alberton Gorge Ranch near Missoula, Montana. Upon course completion students receive certifications in CPR, Wilderness First Aid and Swiftwater Rescue. No experience necessary. Tuition: $695

WHITEWATER RAFTING WORKSHOP
A full weekend of whitewater instruction and river skills practice for novice river guides and recreational boaters. One evening of lecture and discussion followed by two full days on the Blackfoot River and Alberton Gorge. We’ll focus on reading water and guiding paddle crews through Class II and III whitewater. Topics include trip preparation, safety talks, rigging boats, communications, paddle commands, boat handling, and rescue scenarios.: $185

Montana River Guides & Rescue 3 Montana Since 1994 Montana River Guides has hosted classes for Rescue 3 Montana and established a reputation based on professionalism and high quality river trips and instruction. We offer a variety of guided raft, canoe, kayak, and riverboard trips on the Clark Fork, Blackfoot, and Bitterroot Rivers. The only company in Montana certified to teach River Rescue through Rescue 3 International, MRG has provided river rescue instruction to staff from over 200 different companies and rescue agencies in the region. We have provided training for everyone from experienced Grand Canyon River Guides to people just learning to read water and beginning to run rivers. Clients include NOLS, Montana Fish Wildlife & Parks, The Discovery Channel, Missoula City Firefighters, Flathead County Search & Rescue, US Coastguard Helicopter Rescue Swimmers--to name a few. We tailor the classes to meet individual student needs. After learning and practicing rescue skills, students work together as a team and respond to rescue scenarios. You will have the opportunity to take the lead or to observe other students trying to solve a rescue problem. The feedback we've gotten from students over the years has reinforced our approach to keep the classes fast-paced and scenario-based.

Equipment:
You will need a full wetsuit or drysuit; a pair of neoprene booties and gloves, a helmet (w/skullcap or hat); and a lifejacket. Personal equipment rentals are available from Montana River Guides for $25 the first day of class. Bring a lunch, water and extra dry, warm top & bottom layers such as fleece and polypropelene.

Registration: Register by calling to confirm space in the class. We require a 50% deposit to hold your spot. Just call and give us a credit card number or send the deposit and your contact information to: Montana River Guides 761 Hidden Valley Rd, Florence MT 59833. Agency billing can be arranged over the phone. If the course is cancelled or you cancel more than three weeks prior to the class a full refund will be made. Otherwise you may forfeit your deposit. For specific directions, a class outline, and lodging info, call Mike or Cody, at (406)-777-4837. For more information check our website at www.montanariverguides.com.

Thanks,

Mike Johnston,
Instructor Rescue 3
Montana Montana River Guides
406-77-RIVER
406-240-0560 (cell)
Email: rivers@montana.com
http://www.montanariverguides.blogspot.com www.riverboardingmontana.blogspot.com