Rescue and Risk Management Resources
Rescue Reading Room
NRS Safety Articles https://www.nrs.com/learn/whitewater-kayaking/safety
Packraft safety https://packraft.org/education/safety/
Whitewater Rafting Safety Kits https://www.nwrafting.com/river-equipment/whitewater-rafting-safety-kits
High Water Tips https://sierrarescue.com/high-water-safety-rescue-safety-tips/
The Swiftwater Entry https://sierrarescue.com/swiftwater-entry/
Swiftwater Rescue – practical skills + Judgment http://www.whitewaterrescue.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/Z-drags-and-Swiftwater-Rescue.pdf
Cheoah case study https://www.wwsouthernapps.com/paddling-technique/mitigating-risk?fbclid=IwAR2QVkLm_j9AL4llXFqziQWaG9FydIejXbCxuTV2uteF9fm-eGVhZNjCjYM
On Decision Making – whitewater heuristics http://www.whitewaterrescue.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/Decision-Making.pdf
The Bond of the River By Doug Ammons http://www.whitewaterrescue.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/The-Bond-of-the-River.pdf
National Park Service Swiftwater Rescue Manual http://mra.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/nps-swiftwater-rescue-manual-rev09-23-2012-SMALL.pdf
Whitewater Safety Film Room
Rescue for River Runners: Ep. 1: Getting Started – Learn what gear you need to have with you, from your rescue PFD, protective apparel, throw bags, rescue hardware to first aid kit and communication devices.
Rescue for River Runners: Ep. 2: Team Strategy – Smart teamwork and preparedness make everyone safer on the river with the swiftwater rescue playbook.
Rescue Film Series: Ep. 3: Swiftwater Swimming – Swimming efficiently in whitewater is essential for self-rescue, rescuing others and building your kayaking, rafting and canoeing confidence.
Rescue Film Series: Ep. 4: Throw Bag Techniques – This video covers throw bag techniques including throwing, safely bringing in the swimmer, bracing, and how to catch and hold the rope if you're the swimmer.
Rescue Film Series: Ep. 5: Victim Contact Techniques – This video covers victim contact techniques for safely paddling, swimming and wading out to the victim.
Rescue Film Series: Ep. 6: The Rescue Harness – This video shows you how to safely and effectively use the quick-release rescue harness on your life jacket.
Rescue Film Series: Ep. 7: Live Bait Rescue – This video shows several different live bait techniques and describes the best ways to do them safely.
Rescue Film Series: Ep. 8: Boat Extractions – This video demonstrates how to retrieve a pinned kayak or canoe using methods ranging from pushing and pulling to setting up a mechanical advantage system.
Rescue Film Series: Ep. 9: Self Rescue – Whitewater kayakers and canoeists should learn the basic techniques for self rescue. Watch how to swim to safety and avoid dangerous foot entrapment.
Rescue Film Series: Ep. 10: Foot Entrapment Intro – Swiftwater rescue instructor Jim Coffey introduces techniques for assessing foot entrapment situations and formulating a plan to assist the victim.
Rescue for River Runners: Episode 11 -- Foot Entrapment Strategies – Foot entrapment strategies for making the rescue. It's important to move quickly, but first we must answer two questions: Do we have the skill level to perform the rescue, and is the rescue within an acceptable level of risk for the rescue team? Whether the victim has an airway or is face down in the water is also a vital part of the assessment and intensity of the rescue tempo.
Rescue for River Runners: Episode 12 -- Putting Rescue Skills to Use on the Water – Wrapping up this excellent series, swiftwater rescue expert Jim Coffey shows how the skills covered in the previous videos can be put to use on a typical day on the river with a mixed group of kayakers. One of the less skilled paddlers has to swim, and both he and his boat need to be rescued.
How to Toss a Throw Bag – The rescue throw bag is a must-carry for whitewater. Rescue instructor Jim Coffey shows the best techniques for accurately getting the rope to the swimmer.
How to Catch a Throw Bag – Rescue instructor Jim Coffey shows how to catch and position a throw rope to place minimum strain on you and the on-shore rescuer.
How to Make a Shallow Water Crossing – Rescue Instructor Jim Coffey describes techniques that an individual or a group of rescuers can use to safely and efficiently perform a shallow water crossing.
How to Swim in Whitewater – Self rescue by aggressively swimming to shore can be a life-saving maneuver. Rescue instructor Jim Coffey teaches you how to swim in whitewater.
