Whitewater Rescue 1

Holders of this award have demonstrated the ability to perform the following in moving water up to Grade 2 standard:

• Self-rescue
• Be an effective participant in their own rescue
• Rescue a single swimmer.

Skill component

Demonstrate the ability to perform the following in moving water up to Grade 2:

• Self rescue by swimming to shore with kayak or canoe and paddle, from a capsize situation
• Use defensive swimming in a current to remain in a safe position within the current
• Use aggressive swimming in a current to reach shore or enter an eddy
• Retrieve a kayak or canoe and paddle from a current.
• Perform the following rescues as both the rescuer and swimmer:
  • towing rescue with the swimmer as an active participant, holding the end handhold of the rescuer’s kayak or canoe and controlling their own capsized craft
  • deck carry across a current
  • X rescue
  • throwbag, using effective throw and pendulum swing into shore.

Knowledge component

Demonstrate and apply knowledge of the following:

• Personal safety gear that can assist in rescue situations
• Throwbags—construction, care and packing, situations for use, how to use, throwing techniques
• Risk management:
  • hazard identification
  • self-managment to minimise risk.

Experience component

The paddler must have experience in managing basic rescues, demonstrating the following:

• Assessment of the situation
• Minimising risk, including to self and other group members
• Selection of a suitable rescue method
• Carrying out an effective rescue of a single swimmer using an effective method.

Communication component

Demonstrate the ability to:

• Communicate with the swimmer during the rescue, to assist the effectiveness of the rescue
• Communicate with the swimmer to reassure and to assess well-being
• Work with other group members to ensure a safe rescue is completed
• Use and interpret river signals.