Training for Whitewater Rafters

Class III Safety & Rescue

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Class III Safety & Rescue Training

Length: 3 days
Minimum Age: 16
Location: Clackamas River (Oregon)
Prerequisite: Interest in Rafting and Ability to Swim
Course Price: $575
Additional Cost: $100 for optional dry suit rental

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 and/or paddling 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: How to be sure all participants are prepared for potential accidents.
On-River Communication: Establishing a common language and communication tools.
Proper Dress (PPE): Understanding and utilizing appropriate personal protective equipment.
Boat Order and Spacing: Setting boat spacing and order 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.

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.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Where should I stay during the course?

The closest option is staying in the town of Estacada, where there is one hotel and a few vacation rentals. You can also stay in Oregon City, which offers more lodging options and chain hotels, but is a bit farther of a drive.

Is there camping?

Campgrounds near the Clackamas River typically do not open until late May, so camping is not an option for this course.

What do I wear on the course?

Check out the Class III Safety & Rescue Course Trip Details PDF for a complete packing list and guidance on whether a wetsuit or drysuit is the best choice for you.

We are licensed by the Oregon State Marine Board and operate under special use permit with the Columbia Gorge National Scenic Area. This institution operates under a special use permit with the Mt. Hood National Forest, USDA, USFS.

Training for Whitewater Rafters