It may be the quiet season in the majority of the US rafting world, that doesn’t mean that we can’t be thinking ahead to 2017 and what we can do to help make it a better and safer rafting year for everyone. While we all love the whitewater, it is definitely not without its risks (which may also partially be what attracts so many people to it). With that in mind, we believe that even though we can’t completely eliminate all these risks, we can take active steps to minimize.
One of the best ways to do so is to spend some time taking and completing safety certification courses offered by a number of different reputable organizations. What makes this great is that these organizations do the work to make sure that they are up to date with the most relevant safety information and training, so you can be sure that you’ll be getting the best information to help you (and those around you) to stay safer on the water.
Below we have put together a list of some of our top resources for whitewater safety – and from those you can:
- Sign up for an in-person course
- Read top online tips
- Find instructors
American Canoe Association: On this page, you’ll find a number of resources for skills/assessments and also for swiftwater and river safety courses. These assorted courses, as put together by the ACA can not only provide you with a better understanding of how your river techniques stack up, but they also are a great way to get correct information about safety and rescue.
Rescue Canada: Ready to improve your water safety skills without leaving the comfort of your laptop? While probably not as effective as some of the in-person courses, understanding the concepts and theories behind the actions can be quite helpful for all levels of whitewater enthusiasts.
Swiftwater Safety Institute: Exactly as the name suggests, this organization focuses on rescue training in fast water. Although they do work more with the commercial and public sector side of things, there are still classes available for the amateur kayaker.
ARTA: Want to become a guide? Then ARTA has a variety of courses in California, Oregon, and Idaho – so if you’re out west and 2017 is going to be your year to become a guide, then ARTA has the courses and resources that you’ll need the most.
Feeling safer yet?
Do you have another online (or in person) safety course that you love and recommend? Tell us about it in the comments below – and don’t forget to leave a link!
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