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Class III Safety & Rescue Course

Training for Whitewater Rafters

Class III Safety & Rescue

Learn from Professionals in Our

Class III Safety & Rescue Training

  • Length: 3 days
  • Minimum Age: 18
  • Location: Clackamas River (Oregon)
  • Prerequisite: Class III rafting experience and swimming ability
  • Course Price: $445

Motivating

When we adventure we often cross into a line where we don't know what we don't know. Rafting is no different. This course really helped me put into perspective my current ability and feel motivated to get out on the rivers and learn more.
★★★★★
When we adventure we often cross into a line where we don't know what we don't know. Rafting is no different. This course really helped me put into perspective my current ability and feel motivated to get out on the rivers and learn more.

This safety and rescue course is tailored for whitewater rafters and serves as a natural progression from our Class III Rowing School. While completing the Class III Rowing School is not a prerequisite, participants should have prior experience navigating Class III rapids before enrolling.

Professional river guides should look into our Rescue 3 Whitewater Rescue Technician Professional (WRT-Pro) courses.

River Safety

Our course will emphasize safety and accident prevention, with a strong focus on effective flotilla management to ensure a comprehensive safety net. Key topics covered include:

  • Pre-Trip Safety Talks: Ensuring all participants are informed and prepared.
  • On-River Communication: Establishing clear and effective communication methods.
  • Proper Dress (PPE): Understanding and utilizing appropriate personal protective equipment.
  • Boat Order and Spacing: Strategically organizing boats to rescue swimmers.
  • Whitewater Swimming: Techniques for self-rescue on whitewater rivers.
  • Setting Safety: Positioning resources and personnel to provide immediate support when needed.

This curriculum is designed to instill confidence and competence in managing safety on the river.

Throw Bag Rescue
Throw bag practice

River Rescue & Equipment Retrieval

In this section of the course, we will cover essential rescue techniques to be used after an accident occurs. The content is divided into two key areas: rescue and equipment retrieval. Topics include:

  • Rescue Philosophy for Whitewater Paddlers: Understanding the principles that guide responsible and effective rescues.
  • Establishing Proper Priorities: Focusing on what matters most during a rescue scenario.
  • Rescuing Swimmers with Boats: Techniques for assisting swimmers safely from the water.
  • Use of Throw Bags: Using throw ropes to retrieve swimmers.
  • Knots: Learning and applying essential knots.
  • Land and Boat Anchors: Setting up reliable anchor systems for various rescue needs.
  • Mechanical Advantage Pulling Systems: Utilizing M.A. systems to recover pinned boats.
  • Techniques for Flipping Rafts: Responsibly righting overturned rafts.
  • Addressing Foot Entrapments: Managing this dangerous situation.
  • Big Picture Scene Safety: Maintaining overall safety and leadership during rescues.

This portion of the course equips participants with practical skills to handle emergencies confidently and effectively on the river.

Raft flipping
Raft flipping practice

Typical Schedule

Every Class III Safety & Rescue course is a little different. This is a sample schedule that may change depending on the group skills, water levels, and weather.

  • Day 1: Classroom sessions on land that cover safety, knots, and mechanical advantage
  • Day 2: Riverside sessions about swimming, throw bags, flips, and foot entrapments
  • Day 3: Downriver sessions about team boating, setting safety, and swimmer rescue

Land Acknowledgment

We are licensed by the Oregon State Marine Board and operate under special use permit with the Columbia Gorge National Scenic Area and Mt. Hood National Forest. Additionally, we are an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Trip Highlights

  • Rescue Philosophy and Priorities
  • Risk Management and Scene Safety
  • Swimmer and Boat Rescue Techniques
  • Throw Bag Proficiency
  • Setting up mechanical Advantage Systems

Quick Facts

  • Courses are located on the Clackamas River in Oregon
  • Instructors are experienced guides, private boaters, and educators
  • Intended as a follow up to our Class III Rowing School

Trip Reviews

rescue Overall rating: ★★★★★ 5 based on 9 reviews.
5 1

Motivating

When we adventure we often cross into a line where we don't know what we don't know. Rafting is no different. This course really helped me put into perspective my current ability and feel motivated to get out on the rivers and learn more.
★★★★★
When we adventure we often cross into a line where we don't know what we don't know. Rafting is no different. This course really helped me put into perspective my current ability and feel motivated to get out on the rivers and learn more.

Fantastic Class

Fantastic class. Well thought out. Top-notch instructors. Professional and also fun and down to earth, without compromising any of the seriousness of whitewater rescue.
★★★★★
Fantastic class. Well thought out. Top-notch instructors. Professional and also fun and down to earth, without compromising any of the seriousness of whitewater rescue.

Many Thanks!!!!

I could not have asked for a better experience and introduction to Class III safety rescue than what our group was treated to on the Upper Clackamas. Instructors were fun, knowledgeable, good people, and most importantly they kept us safe. If you ever have an opportunity to do anything with NWRC, DO IT!!!! Zach has built an incredible company full of people you want to be around, and who are eager to share their love of boating and boating safely. Many thanks!!!!
★★★★★
I could not have asked for a better experience and introduction to Class III safety rescue than what our group was treated to on the Upper Clackamas. Instructors were fun, knowledgeable, good people, and most importantly they kept us safe. If you ever have an opportunity to do anything with NWRC, DO IT!!!! Zach has built an incredible company full of people you want to be around, and who are eager to share their love of boating and boating safely. Many thanks!!!!

Impressed

I was really impressed with every instructor's ability to cater the course to each participant's needs while offering a range of applied learning styles. 14/10 instructors that genuinely made learning fun and valuable, and it was nice to see the ways they worked together as a team as well. This was one of the most engaging, welcoming, and valuable classes I've taken. I left feeling more empowered and excited about future river days after my first NWRC course, and would encourage anyone who is whitewater-curious to explore their offerings.
★★★★★
I was really impressed with every instructor's ability to cater the course to each participant's needs while offering a range of applied learning styles. 14/10 instructors that genuinely made learning fun and valuable, and it was nice to see the ways they worked together as a team as well. This was one of the most engaging, welcoming, and valuable classes I've taken. I left feeling more empowered and excited about future river days after my first NWRC course, and would encourage anyone who is whitewater-curious to explore their offerings.

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