Whitewater Guide Award

Holders of this award are qualified to guide Grade 2 whitewater trips.

Prerequisite

Whitewater Skills Award

Corequisite

Whitewater Rescue Level 2

Skill component

Demonstrate the ability to guide a group of paddlers, including novices, on Grade 2 water:

• Guide groups:
  • select a suitable venue for participants and activity objectives
  • arrange food, equipment and group safety equipment
  • manage the safe entry and exit of paddlers from the water
  • manage group movement on the water to maintain an acceptable level of safety
  • provide appropriate rescue
  • monitor and maintain group welfare.

Knowledge component

Demonstrate knowledge of:

• Australian Canoeing
  • AC’s role, membership structure, your rights and responsibilities
  • Safety Guidelines, Minimal impact Guidelines, Risk Management Policy, Incident reporting requirements
• Suitable venue selection for participants and activity objectives
• Relationships with other water users
• Awareness and consideration of water management and land access issues at given sites
• Risk management as applicable for the context of the activities, environment, venues and participants
• Whitewater paddling equipment: range, applications and design features
• A wide range of sources of information for weather, river heights and river trips
• River features and hazards of Grade 2 rivers
• How to grade rivers according to the International River Grading System
• Signs, prevention and treatment for hypothermia, sunburn, dehydration and shock
• Selecting and maintaining a suitable temporary or overnight site
• Operation of communications systems.

Experience component

Produce a verified log showing at least:

• Three guided whitewater trips as an observer under training or as an assistant Guide
• A minimum of five river trips on Grade 2 water, using at least two different venues.

Communication component

Demonstrate the ability to:

• Deliver briefings that fully inform participants of the trip purpose and content, hazards and safety instructions
• Establish and maintain an effective communication system within the group on whitewater
• Deliver directions in a clear and concise manner
• Provide clear directions for negotiating a rapid using appropriate terminology.

Leadership component

Demonstrate the ability to lead a group of paddlers on a Grade 2 river trip, showing the following leadership skills:

• Conduct hazard identification and risk management for the session
• Plan logistics including venue use and transport
• Check participant equipment and clothing to ensure suitability and safety
• Monitor participant well-being throughout the session
• Adapt sessions as necessary in changing circumstances
• Carry, and use as required, group safety, first aid and emergency equipment including: towline, throwbag, knife, Prusik loops, karabiner, knife and split paddle
• Set up safety on a rapid as appropriate
• Manage group movement on the water to maintain an acceptable level of safety
• Manage any rescue situations.