Whitewater safety theory night

In order to help people learn about how to minimise risks while on whitewater trips, and to cover the theory required for the next group of leaders, Michael Clark (RMIT outdoors club) will be running a theory night on whitewater safety, starting from about 6:30pm. It will be held online, and the link will be sent out closer to the date.

This is primarily aimed at potential leaders or those with some whitewater experience, however, the first part of the session will cover general river features and hazards, and as such is useful knowledge for anyone who is interested in improving their skills and being safer in whitewater.

Please note that this will be exclusively theory. If you already have some whitewater experience and want to learn about the practical usage of these skills then please get in touch with an expression of interest as there may be a future opportunity to attend a whitewater leader training course aimed at covering the practical usage of these skills.

Some of the things that will be covered are:

• Swiftwater hydrology basics
• Hazard identification
• Risk assessment and group decision-making
• Low to high-risk rescue options
• Personal and rescue equipment
• Whitewater swimming techniques and self-rescue
• Shallow-water crossings

You also might get to cover:

• Contact rescues
• Strainer simulations
• River access techniques
• Kayak self-rescue and partner rescue
• Mechanical advantage systems

Come along, bring a friend. This evening is open to people from any of the uni clubs that do whitewater.