A Swiftwater Rescue classroom demonstration by Penley, Troutman and Qualls.
İVicki Crumpton
Swift Water Rescue Seminar, Summer 2008
Advanced Swift water Rescue Seminar, Summer 2008
Exact dates to come! Watch this page.
TSRA offers scholarships for Rescue Professionals through the Spangler Fund. If you are a Ranger, Police Officer, Firefighter, EMT, or Rescue Squad member you may qualify. Write us at
info@paddletsra.org for details.
Did you really enjoy the last swim you took at Double Drop on the Big South Fork? Has your boat ever left the roof rack because your knot-tying skills are just a tad rusty? Have you ever felt totally helpless while other paddlers assisted a fellow river runner in trouble? Are you assuming a role of greater responsibility as trip leader on upcoming river outings? If considering any of these situations provokes a sensation of insecurity, then perhaps the TSRA Swiftwater Rescue Seminar is for you! This course covers many aspects of river safety and rescue techniques, and is a must for all who regularly paddle our streams and rivers. Seasoned paddlers and novices alike can benefit from an intense weekend of learning and practicing river rescue skills. Our goal is to raise your level of awareness of river safety issues and continue the tradition of safe paddling that TSRA has developed over the last four decades.
LOCATION: Camp and classroom activities at Gee Creek Campground near the Hiwassee River. On river exercises will be on the Ocoee River (a Class II section).
DESCRIPTION: An intensive ACA Format course involving classroom instruction covering such topics as rescue philosophy, site assessment, victim stabilization, hypothermia, near drowning, and others. On the water technical skills such as swiftwater swimming techniques, rope throwing, use of the rescue PFD, knot tying, and mechanical advantage systems will be covered. You will come away with greater confidence in your own ability to paddle safely. You will become much more comfortable IN the water! Please Note: This seminar requires the ENTIRE weekend plan to be with us from Friday p.m. through Sunday afternoon in order to complete the program.
PREREQUISITES: This seminar is open to any adult TSRA member, and paddlers of all skill levels are encouraged to attend. Because of the limited number of students that we can accommodate, priority will be given to TSRA instructors and trip leaders. This is NOT a paddling weekend. This IS a rather strenuous program, and you need to have a reasonable level of physical fitness and be able to swim well. Each seminar is limited to approximately 20 participants, and in the past the positions have filled quickly, so don't delay registration!
TSRA Instructors practice CPR skills
İHenry Ambrose
TSRA offers CPR classes several times each year. Please watch this space and our newsletter, The Watershed for the coming schedule.
