To the Rescue: Outside Bozeman Article

Check out this Outside Bozeman Magazine article chronicling one of our Gallatin Swiftwater Rescue classes near Bozeman.

Swiftwater Rescue Training in Montana April 7-9

Whitewater Rescue & Safety Class 

A Swiftwater Rescue Technician class will be offered in Missoula April 7-9 on the Blackfoot and Clark Fork Rivers. The twenty four hour class is designed for novice river paddlers, guides and professional rescuers who want to be better prepared to respond to river emergencies.  Swiftwater Rescue training is essential for whitewater rafting guides and search and rescue professionals in Montana

“The initial emphasis of the class is to teach students how to recognize and avoid hazards so they don't become victims,” says Mike Johnston, an instructor at the Whitewater Rescue Institute. “After reviewing equipment, how to read water, and rescue basics they’ll spend two full days on the river practicing self rescue and rescuing others.”

Students learn how to prepare for and prevent accidents, how to swim defensively and aggressively in whitewater, simple shore-based rescues, technical rope systems, and much more.

“We want them to know how to stay out of trouble, how to self rescue if they get in trouble, and have the skills to help some else who may need help on the river,” Johnston  said. 

Students practice their skills while responding as a team to a series of realistic scenarios that allow them to size up a scene and make rescue decisions in real-time. By practicing in the river students learn what equipment and techniques work and which ones are less effective.  Students get hands-on practice with the most likely rescue scenarios Montana rivers offer such as rescuing conscious and unconscious swimmers, hypothermic victims, people stranded or entrapped, boat flip and pins, and situations with multiple victims who need help.

No experience is necessary. The class is certified through the Whitewater Rescue Institue ( WRI) which teaches river rescue and safety classes all over Montana and as far away as Costa Rica. The cost is $335. For more information or to register call Mike Johnston at 406-214-0245.

Raft Guide School

Whitewater Raft Guide Schools for 20th Consecutive Year

Novice river runners or paddlers who want to learn how to safely lead whitewater raft trips safely can choose from one of three upcoming classes near Missoula. The comprehensive five day Whitewater Raft Guide Schools are being offered in April, May and June by Montana River Guides on the Blackfoot and Clark Fork Rivers.  Montana River Guides instructors have been teaching the courses for twenty years.

After learning about proper equipment, boat rigging, trip preparation, river safety and reading water, students learn basic paddle commands and get the opportunity to guide both paddle and oar rafts under the supervision of instructors.

“The class focuses how to read the river and guide rafts in whitewater “ said Mike Johnston, owner of Montana River Guides. “We give students as much information as we can in the classroom  session  and then spend four and a half long days on the river, giving them hands-on experience. “

 Johnston said the Blackfoot River is ideal for introducing people to guiding because there are so many features in the river and plenty of places to practice simple maneuvers such as eddy turns, peel outs, and ferrying. After working on the Blackfoot the class will move on to the bigger whitewater of Alberton Gorge where they will get the opportunity to practice in-flow rescues, boat flipping, and reading more challenging rapids.

“After practicing swimming, self-rescue, and dealing with rescue situations, the students are ready to be challenged by the Gorge’s bigger rapids and features”, says Johnston.  “They’ll have to apply everything that they’ve learned to scout rapids, select their route, and then run the rapid safely as a team with their paddle crews.”

No experience is necessary. Participants who complete the class will  receive a Swiftwater Rescue Technician certification  from the Whitewater Rescue Institute. The first Whitewater Raft Guide School is April 1,2,7,8 & 9. Other sessions are scheduled for May 12-16 and June 10-14. The cost $485. For more information or to register call Montana River Guides at 406-214-0245.

A Long Uncomfortable Whitewater Swim!

Prepare for Self Rescue with Practice 

This video shows how tough a long swim in whitewater can be.  This kayaker was in over his head and hadn't had swift water training when this happened. Practice swims in whitewater go a long way towards preparing you for when the real thing happens.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P9a3ucJm1vU