American Whitewater has published a new resource for river safety that is accessible and will be of interest for folks instructing on flowing water.
From American Whitewater,
“River recreation can be one of the most rewarding experiences of your life. The clean water, wild places, and adventure with family and friends can all add up to an unforgettable time. Although it is a place of freedom and adventure, the river is also a place where dangerous situations can and do occur. Fortunately, these situations can be mitigated through knowledge, preparation, and humility.
The following guidelines have been prepared using the best available information and reviewed by a broad cross-section of whitewater experts. They are, however, only a collection of guidelines; attempts to minimize risks should be flexible and not constrained by a rigid set of rules. Varying conditions and group goals may combine with unpredictable circumstances to require alternate procedures. These guidelines are not intended to serve as a standard of care for commercial outfitters or guides. These guideli
You can download a pdf of the new resource directly from the AW website.
AW maintains an active river safety webpage with articles, an easily searchable accident database, training video series, and a “rescue reading room” with a collection of great open source risk management and safety resources. It is a great resource and a great organzation. You can check it out here.