Course Overview
This is an ACA Level 3 River Safety & Rescue course, designed for paddlers, guides, and outdoor professionals looking to build practical, real-world river safety skills in a dynamic environment.
Training will take place on the section of the New River between Glade Creek and Grandview Sandbar, utilizing a mix of moving water features and river hazards to create realistic training scenarios.
The course focuses on safe boating practices, hazard recognition, and effective rescue techniques, with an emphasis on low-risk, high-success strategies.
What to Expect
Throughout the day, participants will rotate through hands-on training scenarios covering:
- River hazard identification and avoidance
- Safe boating practices and group management
- Swimming in moving water (defensive and aggressive techniques)
- Wading in current
- Throw bag techniques and rope handling
- Rescuing swimmers
- Boat-based rescue operations
Instruction is highly interactive and scenario-based—you’ll spend most of the day wet, moving, and solving problems on the river (as it should be).
Course Objectives
Participants will learn to:
- Recognize and avoid common river hazards
- Apply safe boating practices in a group setting
- Perform effective self-rescue in moving water
- Execute throw rope rescues with accuracy and efficiency
- Assist swimmers and recover boats and equipment
- Develop situational awareness and decision-making in dynamic river environments
What’s Included
The course fee includes:
- All instruction
- River shuttles
- Helmets, life jackets (PFDs), boats, and rescue equipment
- Access to professional instructors and scenario-based training
What to Bring
Required
- Closed-toe shoes that can be worn in the water (old sneakers work great; no sandals or Crocs)
- Sun protection (hat, long sleeves, sunscreen)
- Lunch for the river
- Snacks
- Water (at least 1–2 liters recommended)
Recommended
- Sunglasses with retention strap
- Bug spray
- Towel and dry clothes for after the course
- Extra layers depending on weather
Logistics Notes
- Meet at Grandview Sandbar at 8:30 AM sharp
- Be ready to get in the water early in the day
- Plan for a full, active day on the river
- We will finish back at the Grandview Sandbar around 3:30 PM