I’m working on developing a rescue manual for rescue classes I teach that are geared towards beginner private boaters. What would you think are the most important terms and concepts new boaters should learn as they’re being introduced to some whitewater safety education?
Concepts…
- Prevention is the best safety practice. It’s almost impossible to drown if you are in your raft.
- Advance preparation is the best fallback. Learning “on the job” is inefficient, ineffective, irresponsible, and stupid - (not to mention, soooo stressful); take a class.
- Start simple and stay simple for as long as you can. Time is a man-made construct; slow down, take your time, double-check.
Terms…
- Avoidance
- T-up
- Highside
- Containment
- Patience
Then you can teach them all the sexy, techy, rope-and-pulley stuff.
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Great idea Claire. I haven’t thought about it too deep but I think a missed topic in many SWR courses is prevention of the need for rescues. For example, being a better boater/guide, proper boat spacing, CLAP, prepping paddle boat crews, choosing more conservative lines at times, etc.
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