Swift Water Rescue Class, Level 3

OVERVIEW

WHAT IS THIS?
Swift water rescue (SWR) involves helping someone who is in a potentially life threatening situation within fast moving water. SWR classes teach you the skills involved in safely performing those types of rescues. There are various levels of classes with various skills involved; Level 3, or L3, teaches the skills that are used the most often.

WHO SHOULD TAKE THIS?
Anyone involved in water sports, especially if those sports involve moving water, should take this class. If you get into any type of recreational activity in moving water, you may be in a situation where someone (maybe someone you know, or perhaps even you!) needs help. This class will give you the knowledge, and confidence, to help! Some of the skills learned are applicable to non-moving water as well, which makes this class appropriate for all types of water venues.
*There may be some prerequisite skill requirements for you to join (see below)*

MORE ABOUT THE CLASS:
This SWR class is being taught by UVA alum and professional Level 5 white water kayak instructor, Dave Kessmann, and will be held on the Balcony Falls section of the James River. For more info about that stretch of river check out:
http://www.americanwhitewater.org/content/River/detail/id/1949/

TO SIGN UP: Everyone will be put onto the waitlist upon joining the adventure; I may need drivers and need to confirm with Dave if there are any experience requirements (for instance, if you don’t have to paddle during the class then anyone can join). If I move your name off from the waitlist and onto the adventure roster, you will have 1 week to email Dave and confirm that you are “in”; if you haven’t confirmed within a week I will give folks on the waitlist a chance to make it into the class. Email Dave at dkessmann@gmail.com and put “SWR Class” as the subject. Please be patient as it may take him a few days to get back to you (drop me a line if he doesn’t respond to your email within 3 days of sending it – dclark@virginia.edu).
I’m still working out details with him, including the requirements and hours of the class, so will update the trip info as I learn more. Dave informed me that he can only take 3-4 participants so I am setting the max # of attendees to 3 and can expand if appropriate. Drop me a line if you have any questions.

You should bring:
swimwear, rescue throw bag (if you have one; club has some if you don’t), any other SWR equipment you have, boat/gear if you have it, towel, sunscreen, water, food/snacks

The Club provides:
Rescue throw bag, boat/gear, wetsuit, paddle jacket, ga$