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USCC RIVER SAFETY TALK 2012

Learn essential river safety guidelines and paddling techniques including what to wear, group organization, reading river signals, recognizing hazards like rocks and trees, swimming techniques, receiving a throwline, and post-swim actions. Stay safe and enjoy the river responsibly!

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USCC RIVER SAFETY TALK 2012

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  1. USCC RIVER SAFETY TALK2012 Created by Katie Hedgecock

  2. What To Wear • Thermals • Cag • Buoyancy Aid • Spray Deck • Wetsuit • Helmet • Shoes Staying warm on the river makes everything more enjoyable – if you feel very cold make sure to tell your River Lead.

  3. Groups • Groups will usually be made of up to 5 people: • An “Experienced Paddler” or “River Lead” who will find the best passage down the river for you to follow • A “Competent Paddler” who will bring up the rear and rescue you if needed • Up to 3 “Beginners” sandwiched in the middle Competent Paddler Beginner Experienced Paddler

  4. Everyone will be briefed on land before you leave to organise groups and point out hazards You won’t always be able to hear your River Lead so it’s important to learn the River Signals Communication On The River

  5. Paddling: Top Tips • Keep Paddling: Paddling provides support and momentum. You will be much more stable if you keep paddling when it gets scary. • Lean Forwards: Your boat is more stable when you lean forwards – don’t lean back when you paddle into a wave.

  6. Reading Rivers Upstream Current (Main Flow) Rock River Right River Left Eddy Eddy Line Downstream

  7. Reading Rivers • Standing Waves/Wave Chains: Formed from fast moving water hitting a layer of slow moving water – paddle through or stay and play  • Stoppers: A wave that forms at a sudden drop in the river bed • Surface (Noisy) Stoppers • Bouncy and fun to stop and play in • Swimmers usually wash out quickly • Deep (Quiet) Stoppers • Water recirculates deeper down • Can hold swimmers (scary!) Towback Face Slot Face Towback Slot

  8. Reading Rivers: Weirs • Weirs: Weirs are manmade obstacles on many rivers. They are often dangerous as they can be symmetrical meaning they have no weakness point. • You can spot weirs by looking for calm water before a horizon line and manmade buildings on the river bank • However, some weirs are safe and fun to play in

  9. Reading Rivers: Hazards • Rocks Are Your Friends: • There are lots of rocks in rivers, and if you paddle into one, you may get stuck or “pinned” against it. • If this happens the current will push you onto the rock and try and tip you over. • To avoid this, hug the rock and lift your upstream edge. • Trees Are Evil: • Anything in a river that the water can go through and you can’t is a hazard. • E.g. Fallen Trees, Branches, Roots, Fences. • If you are going to hit one, don’t hold on to it! It will knock you over, instead try to paddle past it. Remember: HUG ROCKS, HATE TREES

  10. Swimming!

  11. Swimming Technique: Defensive • The biggest risk when swimming in a river is hand or foot entrapment • To prevent this Do not ever stand up in the middle of a flow • Your priority is to get out of the river ASAP. Forget your kit – Kit can be replaced, you cannot. • Defensive swimming: • Lie on your back and use your hands to stay steady • This means you can see what’s happening, push off rocks with your feet, keep your head out the water. You’ll probably bash your bum a bit on the river bottom – but it’s better than hitting your face! (for most people anyway).

  12. Swimming Technique: Defensive • Aggressive Swimming: • When you see an eddy you need to swim to, turn onto your front and front crawl like crazy! • Try and cross the eddy line like you would do in a kayak – high up and at 45 degrees to the flow. • Once you’ve reached the eddyline, roll over into the eddy. • Always do as your River Lead tells you – they have more experience and will be able to see more

  13. Receiving A Throwline • Usually if you swim on a big rapid then there will be someone waiting nearby to throw you a throwline. Occasionally the throw will be on target too . • If you get a line, lie on your back and hold it over one shoulder – this stops your face from being dragged underwater.

  14. After A Swim • Eat some River Chocolate • Gather up your kit • Hug and Thank your rescuer (if he asks you for your phone number – say No. He has to try harder than that!!) • Man up and get back in your boat for more awesome rapids 

  15. Acknowledgements • Photos from USCC members • Southampton University Canoe Club • Franco Ferrero: Whitewater Safety and Rescue

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