River Rescue in association with Atlas Outfitters

Awareness and Operations

River (or flood) rescues represent the second level of technical aquatic rescues - a step above lake - a step below swiftwater - and considerably below whitewater. However, even that gentle stream that you can usually wade through, can become a life-threatening force after a sudden downpour. It's no wonder that we say, every public safety agency should be prepared for a basic river evacuation or rescue.

White Bear's Operations River Rescue utilizes protocols based from shore, or with boat assistance. It is not a swiftwater/whitewater course. It does not require skilled boat handling and it does not teach "live bait" rescues with tethered swimmers. Any department with a modest amount of equipment can become proficient in basic river rescue.

Here's how it works: This is a a 14 hour class, presented over 2 days. We begin each day in the classroom, where we discuss the dynamics of moving water, appropriate equipment for river/flood rescue, how to "read" the water for hidden hazards, safety precautions for wading rescues and rigging set-ups for boat assisted rescues. We use videos to review techniques and analyze actual rescue attempts. Hands-on exercises prepare students for on-site work.

Following classroom work, we go on site to practice on the water. Accuracy with a throw bag is stressed. Department members learn how to effectively use a variety of rigging setups for boat assisted rescues. Students who participate in survival swim / self-rescue exercises receive Operations level certification. Shore only participation is Awareness level.

PPE: All participants must supply own Type III (vest style) pfd. Operations level students must supply their own thermal protection (wetsuit preferred) water helmet, water gloves, water shoes and throwbag.

At your site: The instruction fee for the 2008 season is $2000.00 (8-14 students) plus travel expenses. The materials cost $15.00 per student for manuals and embroidered patch.

Open enrollment class Pembine, WI

JUNE 7 & 8, 2008 or JUNE 21 & 22, 2008

$225 per student

Includes all materials & lunch on both days

www.AtlasOutfitters.com for more info.

Swiftwater Technician

Swiftwater Technician is a two day course for public safety personnel with a background in river rescue. It is a physically and emotionally demanding class, which should only be undertaken by individuals who are dedicated to continual drilling in the swiftwater environment.

Day one begins in the classroom with up to two hours of review of safety procedures and rope rigging systems. Videos illustrating both well conducted and poorly organized real-life rescues may be viewed and discussed. After the classroom review, we move on to the river for the remainder of the two days.

Each participant must have his/her own safety gear. This consists of a high-impact pfd with crotch straps, a water helmet, wet suit, gloves, water shoes and throwbag. Ropes, rigging hardware, rescue devices and boat are supplied.

Required open water endurance swim of 1000 feet conducted at start of class.

Exercises for Swiftwater technician include swimming self-rescue techniques, throw bag, wading rescue, "live bait" swimming rescue and tethered boat rescues.

Housekeeping details: $300 per student:

• Fee covers instruction, lunch and refreshments both days.
• Class minimum is 8 students. Maximum is 18 students.
• All students must have NFPA Awareness and Operations certification.

Lodging

• Accommodations available in the Training Center for $15 night
• Camp on Training Center Grounds for $10 night
• Grand Motel - Pembine - 715-324-5417
• Richards Motel - Dunbar - 715-324-5444
• AmericInn - Norway, MI - 906-563-7500

www.AtlasOutfitters.com for more info.

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