Rescue for Rec Boaters is an entry-level safety and rescue class for kayakers, canoeists, and stand-up paddlers who plan on paddling flat water lakes and slow moving rivers such as the Caney Fork, Cumberland, Harpeth, Piney or Stones Rivers. It is not intended for paddlers who plan to paddle Class II or higher whitewater rivers such as Clear Creek, the Hiwassee, Ocoee, Nantahala or Tuckaseegee rivers. For these rivers, please attend TSRA's Whitewater Basic River Rescue or Swiftwater Rescue. This is not a paddling class; if you do not have basic paddling skills, please first attend Intro to Kayaking or Intro to Rivers.
Requirements: Basic swimming and paddling ability
Required Equipment:• boat/paddle craft• paddle• PFD (life jacket)• whistle• clothing suitable for swimming• closed-toed footwear that will not come off while swimming and will protect your feet when walking in water and on rocks. (Old sneakers work great.) • Proper Attire – poly/synthetic, nylon, hat, rain jacket• Lunch, Water Bottle, Snacks
Recommended Equipment:• boat flotation bags• paddle float• bilge pump or bailer• helmet (optional)• waist-belt tow rope (lakes)• throw rope (50' of 3/8” rope in a throw bag) (rivers)
Will consist of 2-3 hours of classroom / dry land time, and 4-5 hours of in-water time practicing rescues
Your instructors will be ACA (American Canoe Association) certified River Rescue or River Kayaking Instructors. The class will contain lectures, group discussions, demonstrations and lots of actual hands-on practice where you will learn how to rescue yourself, how to rescue someone else, how to be rescued by someone else...and how to avoid problems in the first place!
*Kids are welcome if accompanied by a parent or guardian and if they can swim and paddle independently.
For additional information contact Andrea White.
COVID PROTOCOL:
If you have any symptoms or Covid exposure that lead you to think that you may be a risk to the other students in the class, please let Andrea White know so that your cancelation can be approved for a full refund.
You will be asked to complete a Health Screening Questionnaire during the week prior to class and masks will be required on land at all times. Class size is being limited to minimize the chances of group exposure. You will be required to sign a waiver to attend this class.
CANCELATION POLICY:
If TSRA has to cancel the class for any reason, you will receive a full refund. If you need to cancel your reservation, we ask that you try to do it with as much advance notice as possible so we can try to fill your seat in the class. Any cancelation provided up to May 31 will automatically receive a full refund. Cancellations after May 31 will need to be approved by Andrea White in order to receive a refund. Please understand that we are just trying to offer training to as many people as possible during very challenging Covid circumstances. Your help is appreciated.
TSRA is a 501 (c) 3 nonprofit organization. All TSRA classes are organized and taught by ACA certified instructors who donate their time as volunteers to enhance the skills and safety of the paddling community. Proceeds from these classes are invested in river conservation initiatives, access builds, and initiatives to expand paddler instruction. Thank you for supporting these efforts to support our rivers and our paddling family!
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