Swiftwater Rescue Refresher

Date: Saturday, May 30

Time: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm

Location: TBD - (Hiwassee, Little near Walland, or lower Greenbriar outside of NP)

Register by: Wednesday, May 27

Participant cap: Max 8 students

Cost: Free for paddle school instructors and safety boaters

         $30 for anyone else if room (priority to instructors/safety)

Prerequisites: previous L3 or L4 SWR course

Description: 

This is an opportunity for 2026 Paddle School instructors and support boaters to brush off winter cobwebs and refresh their swift water rescue skills prior to teaching/supporting during paddle school. While geared more towards swift water, touring instructors/safety are more than welcome to join as well. Roughly half the day will be spent doing land instruction followed by practice on the river. The focus will be on topics and skills that may be needed especially with new/newer boaters as well as good things to cover during your small paddling group morning chat. Examples of what will be covered include:

Rescue strategy

River hydrology and hazards

Prevention

Personal protective and rescue equipment

Wading

Swimming

Craft based rescues including panicked/unconscious paddler

Rescue PFD quick release harness and a discussion on whether to tether

Required equipment:

Whitewater rated PFD

Whitewater helmet

Whitewater boats (no recreational boats)

Flotation/air bags

Paddle

Spray skirt (if required for your craft)

Closed toed footwear (no exceptions)

Thermal protection (the water is cold and we will be IN it) - drysuit or wetsuit, NO cotton.

Dry bag for things you will need while on river

Lunch, water, snacks

Throw rope

15+ feet of 1" tubular webbing (or your tow tether - not attached to your PFD)

Two LOCKING carabiners

Whistle

Options