If you’re looking to improve your whitewater safety skills, Wild River Adventures, in conjunction with Montana River Guides and Aerie Backcountry Medicine will offer River Rescue and Wilderness First Aid classes on June 2-5.
The classes are designed for those who make their living in the wilderness as guides and outfitters as well as the recreational rafter or kayaker. According to Wild River’s Bob Jordan “Anyone who enjoys running the river should be prepared for emergencies. The river is wild; it’s not an amusement park ride. Our goal is not to eliminate the inherent risks of river recreation. That would take most of the fun out of it. Instead we continually develop and improve our knowledge base so that we can limit those risks and effectively deal with emergencies if and when they occur.”
Instructors from Aerie Backcountry Medicine will provide a two day Wilderness First Aid class beginning at 8 a.m. June 2nd at the Glacier Institute in West Glacier. The classes build on a solid foundation of first aid and river rescue fundamentals using hands-on skills practice that culminates in a variety of rescue and medical scenarios on the river. Cost of the course is $125.To register contact Aerie Backcountry Medicine at 542-9972
The Whitewater Rescue Technician course is designed for raft guides and private boaters and is taught by Mike Johnston of Montana River Guides, in conjunction with Wild River Adventures. This is a two-day river rescue course that includes self-rescue methods, shore-based rescues, contact rescues, technical rope systems and methods for spotting and avoiding river hazards. The class emphasizes scenarios that require fast, efficient rescues as well as more complex emergencies that require team organization. No experience is necessary, but participants must be in good physical condition and know how to swim. Successful candidates will receive a certificate of completion, patch and identification card. Registration is $325 and will begin 9 a.m. June 4. To register contact Wild River Adventures at 387-9453.
On the Web: www.riverwild.com.