boatman manual

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OUTDOOR ADVENTURE

PROGRAM

Mountain Home AFB,

Idaho

VOLUNTEER BOATMAN

TRAINING MANUAL



OUTDOOR ADVENTURE PROGRAM

VOLUNTEER BOATMAN, RAFTING TRAINING HANDBOOK

Table of Contents

Objectives . . . . . . . . . 3

The Big Picture. . . . . . . . . 4Missions . . . . . . . . . 5

Training Guidelines . . . . . . . . 6

Rafting for Volunteers. . . . . . . . 7Official Position Description . . . . . . . 8

Unofficial Position Description. . . . . . . 9

Boatman Benefits . . . . . . . . 10

OAP Rules . . . . . . . . . 11Boatmen Policies . . . . . . . . 12

Volunteer Liability . . . . . . . . 13

Human Relationships in Insurance. . . . . . . 14-15

Trip Safety . . . . . . . . . 16Leadership . . . . . . . . . 17

Case Histories . . . . . . . . . 18

Incident/Accident Reporting . . . . . . . 19Incident/Minor Medical Report. . . . . . . 20-21

Equipment Checkout . . . . . . . . 22

Suggested Trip Items . . . . . . . . 23-24Whitewater Classification . . . . . . . 25

Rafting Techniques . . . . . . . . 26-27

Put-In Briefing . . . . . . . . 28-30

Paddle/Oar Boat Briefing. . . . . . . . 31-32General Rafting Tips . . . . . . . . 33-35

Extended Raft Trips . . . . . . . . 36-38

Care and Use of Rafts . . . . . . . . 39-40Hand Signals . . . . . . . . . 41-43

Personal Flotation Devices . . . . . . . 44-47

Throw Bags . . . . . . . . . 48

Rafting Terms . . . . . . . . . 49-54Hypothermia . . . . . . . . . 54-55

River Rescue . . . . . . . . . 56-60

Important Basic Knots . . . . . . . 61Telfer Lower . . . . . . . . . 62

River Stats . . . . . . . . . 63-65

Absolutes . . . . . . . . . 66

Leadership Roles . . . . . . . . 67 Notes . . . . . . . . . . 68-70

Rope Nomenclature . . . . . . . . 71

River Rescue Knots . . . . . . . . 72-75Mechanical Advantages . . . . . . . 76

Anchors/Self Equalizing Systems. . . . . . . 77-80

Last updated April 2013



Mountain Home Air Force Base

Outdoor Adventure Program

Volunteer Boatman Training

Rafting Coordinator: Russ Scheel

Duty Phone: 828-6333

Dir, Outdoor Adventure: Mike Hurt

Duty Phone: 828-6333

Training Description:

This training is designed to expose the boatman to the essential elements involvedin rowing and paddling rafts safely through whitewater. Also included are equipment

identification and function, raft maintenance, rafting situations, river logistics, and other

related topics.

Objectives:

The boatman will be able to:

1. Identify, assemble, and describe the use of rafting equipment.

2. Identify river hydraulics, describe their characteristics and how they canaffect rafting.

3. Row and paddle rafts safely through whitewater and describe the strokes

used.

4. Recognize potential river emergency situations, explain and demonstrate

how to deal with them.5. Describe and explain river features, e.g. CFS, river length, rapid names,

put-in and take-out locations and elevations.



THE BIG PICTURE

Introduction

Hardly anything requires more physical and mental skills than captaining a whitewater raft. The purpose of this booklet is to help you make each trip as smooth and

fulfilling as possible, and help you excel as a boatman.

History

The Outdoor Adventure Program began in 1976 as a group of ten volunteerswanting to show others how personally rewarding outdoor activities could be. The OAP

became part of the MWR division in 1977. In its first year the OAP had ten trips and

served 150 people. In 1991 the OAP had 152 trips and served 2804 people. In the course

of fifteen years, the OAP moved from the base chapel, to the Recreation Center broomcloset, to the MWR Supply maintenance room, to a condemned post office building, until

finally in 1985 the OAP moved into its award-winning new building. The OAP has

always been made up of just a few full-time staff people who get tremendous amounts of

help from volunteers. Without volunteers this program would not have a past, a present,or a future.

Special Place

The OAP is not the wood, glass and brick in its building; it is the people. The

OAP is a place that is made up of people who may be staff members, college interns,volunteers, or participants. Mountain Home Air Force Base has the Model Outdoor

Recreation Program and serves as the Outdoor Recreation Management Training Center

for the Air Force. The OAP has won numerous awards for performance. Volunteers in

the OAP are tasked with maintaining high standards of personal duty and appearance of

the building, inside and outside. The OAP often hosts visiting dignitaries, so we mustlook and be sharp at all times, including on the river and in the equipment room.



MISSION

Services Mission

The ultimate mission of all Services Squadron facilities, including the OAP is:“To enhance force readiness and espirit de corps through a higher state of physical and

mental well- being.” There is hardly a better way to accomplish this mission than with

outdoor recreation activities!

OAP Mission

Likewise, the mission of the OAP is: “To provide positive outdoor recreation

activities which occur in the natural environment for the mental and physical well-being

of OAP customers to enhance force readiness.” An OAP customer is defined as activeduty, reserve or retired military personnel, DOD civilians, their dependents and

accompanied guests.

Boatmen’s Mission

“To provide a safe and personally rewarding river experience to OAP customers

which may increase their physical and mental well- being enhancing readiness.”

More importantly, the boatman is usually the first, and possible the only, OAP

representative a customer comes in contact with, so it is crucial, the boatman’s job bedone well.



SPECIAL TRAINING GUIDELINES

For all returning and new boatmen.

1. Some training is mandatory and you must attend or receive that trainingfrom some other agency. Some training may be waived for TDYs, family

emergencies, or medical reasons with the consent of the Raft Coordinator.

Waivers are easier to obtain if the boatman is already highly skilled. Inother words, make all training sessions if possible.

2. It has been the experience of the OAP that the boatman who cannot be

counted on for making training trips can also not be counted on formaking summer customer trips. A prospective boatman must review

whether there will be time in his/her life for the training, customer trips,

church, school, TDYs, work schedule, family or other obligations.

Training Format

The OAP training program relies upon regular staff, paid contractors, and selected

returning boatmen for training new volunteers.You will be assigned to a different trainer for each day of training to assure you

get a chance to hear from several sources on “how it is done.” The standards are taught

during the group training sessions held by regular staff members before you break up intosmaller “on river” groups.

There is no graduation from this course as it is a continuous learning process built

upon year after year of experiences.There is no pass/fail system based on your training reports, but instead you will be

assigned duties commensurate with your skill level.

Towards the end of the training period you will fill out a wish list for summer

scheduling. The wish list is used as a guide only, but it does give you a choice that works

out most of the time. Everyone, of course, wishes for an extended permissive TDY tripdown the Salmon or Snake rivers. The boatmen selection for these trips will be based

upon:a. The needs of the trip, i.e. do we need a safety kayaker, cook, sweep boat,

doctor along.

b. The skill level necessary for the river.

c. The boatmen who have shown the most dedication, commitment, and positive attitude.

If there is a conflict or problem you face either in training or during the regular season,

which affects your performance, then please contact the Raft Coordinator first. Many

times problems can be solved at a lower management level much quicker and easier thangoing straight to the top.



RAFTING FOR VOLUNTEER BOATMEN

As Outdoor Adventure Program boatmen you will have an opportunity to learn

whitewater river rafting skills, explore some of Idaho’s finest rivers, and meet someexceptional people.

River raft trips involve a tremendous amount of work. There is the pre-tripmeeting, menu planning, food purchasing, equipment loading, transportation logistics,

vehicle driving, setting up equipment at the put-in, floating the section of river, taking the

equipment apart at the take-out, driving back, unloading, and cleaning up. On anovernight trip: setting up camp and preparing dinner. As a boatman you will be expected

to take part in most, if not all of these duties.

It is definitely to your advantage to attend as many of the sessions as possible.This does not mean if you miss a session because of work you will not be able to be a

boatman. Everyone who goes through the training program will be eligible for OAP raft

trips. The scheduling of boatmen on raft trips is based on three things: 1) the river

difficulty, 2) the boater’s skill level, and 3) the boatman’s availability. Most trips are oneday in length, with some extended trips lasting from four to eight-days.

Previous seasons were highly successful with no major mishaps. This was aresult of the tremendous commitment and dedication of all of the boatmen to making

safety and trip quality their number one in priority.

Our goal is to provide the best whitewater rafting experience available anywhere

and to never compromise the safety of our participants.



OFFICIAL BOATMAN’S POSITION DESCRIPTION

Typical duties as a boatman include:

1. Navigate inflatable rafts down local and distant rivers, following OAPoperating instructions and procedures. Trips may last one, two or several

days, with rapids from Class I to Class IV difficulty encountered.

2. Monitor, supervise, and be responsible for the safe passage of raftingcustomers through flat, moving, and/or turbulent whitewater, on roadside and

wilderness rivers. Includes providing a safe camp setting during overnight

trips.3. Assist in the logistical support of providing raft trips for a large number of

people. This includes: planning, packing, and preparing meals; repairing torn

or broken raft materials and parts; general cleaning of camp equipment;

checking out and in of camp equipment to patrons; monitoring acceptablehouse cleaning standards in the OAP storeroom; ensuring proper sanitation

and hygiene standards at campsites; and the loading and unloading of rafting

gear, both at the river and at the OAP building prior to and after trips.

4. Driving duties to include: ensuring vehicles have been road-checked properly;driving equipment and/or participant vehicles over potentially dangerous

roads in variable weather to the put-in site; arranging the shuttle of vehicles to

the take-out site; returning of equipment and/or participants to base; andsometimes as assigned driver, not rafting that day.

5. Briefs and instructs customers as to: the care and use of rafting gear; all

aspects of safety awareness; and the techniques of maneuvering inflatablerafts.

6. Provide minor first aid and river rescue techniques as necessary.

7. Respond to the direction of the trip leader or leaders (OAP staff members),

who provides boatmen training and assigns tasks as required with spot-

checking of completed tasks for quantity and quality.8. Special considerations include: a potentially high amount of personal risk,

injury, or discomfort due to high, cold, and fast-moving whitewater; streamobstacles such as rocks, trees, and river bends, non-potable water, insects,

high temperatures, intense sunlight or unseasonably cold, rainy weather, and

flipping of inflatable rafts or falling out of the raft and into the river.

9. This work requires an unusually high amount of energy, both physical andmental, to perform such tasks as lifting rafts weighing up to 100 pounds,

rowing a 1500-pound loaded raft up to twelve hours per day on rivers, and

constantly analyzing and monitoring human and environmental factors for

potential hazards. Special consideration should be made by the boatman to

maintain ideal body weight, muscular strength, and overall fitness to better perform these duties. The OAP may require a doctor’s approval to continue

being a boatman or to begin training or rafting if a potential health problem isknown to exist.



UNOFFICIAL BOATMAN’S POSITION DESCRIPTION

Reality; being a boatman is not always bringing a group of merry paddlers down a

sparkling mountain river in 90-degree sunshine!

A typical day lasts from 05:30 am to 6:30 pm.

For twelve hours you are working with no time to relax by yourself. A typical day could be described as:

Load up gear on FridayEarly morning Saturday departure

Drive two hours to river

Unload gear

Inflate raftsSet up rafts

Lay out customer gear

Run shuttle to take-out point

Brief patronsInstruct patrons

Paddle, paddle, paddle (this is where you are captaining the raft)

Take out for lunchSet up lunch

Take down lunch

Load raftsPaddle, paddle, paddle (you are once again captaining the raft)

Take out of river

Take down equipment

Load rafts on truck

Load equipmentGas vehicles

Drive homeUnload and store gear

Wash, gas and vacuum vehicles

Do this again on Sunday!

On top of this, it may be raining, or the temperature may be anywhere from the

low 40’s to 100’s degree range!



OAP VOLUNTEER BOATMAN BENEFITS

OAP volunteerism is not without its benefits. Among the benefits to you as a volunteer

boatman are:

1. The opportunity to float many of Idaho’s premier whitewater rivers at little or no

cost.

2. The opportunity to meet many people and make friends who share common

interests.

3. Earn credit for time volunteered at the OAP for duties not associated with

boatmen on-river rafting duties. For example: driving shuttle vehicles or

repairing rafting equipment. These credits can be applied towards the cost of

other OAP trips.

4. The opportunity to float on extended river trips of three to seven days in length

without having leave charged (Permissive TDY).

5. Learning a life-long skill you can share with friends.

6. Receiving a letter of appreciation sent to your squadron advising them of thehours volunteered and the vital service performed on behalf of Outdoor

Recreation and the USAF.

7. The chance to purchase personal rafting accessories at discounted rates.

8. Receiving a boatman’s whistle for on the river.

9. Receiving a Boatman’s T-shirt.

10. Receiving a coveted copy of the USAF Model Outdoor Recreation ProgramWhitewater Boatman’s Handbook.



OAP RULES

Trip Rules

The following rules are to be followed and enforced by all boatmen.

NO…

o Drugs (unless legal prescription medication)o Firearms

o Pets

o Alcohol (beer, wine, or hard liquor)

o Radios (headphones stereos are acceptable except while driving or rafting)at any time during an OAP trip.

No smoking in the vans, near the rafts, or while wearing a PFD or splash top.

All passengers in a government vehicle must wear seat belts.

All PFDs must be worn and fully fastened at all times while on the water.

Boatman Rules (in addition to those listed above)

No irresponsible horseplay on or off the river.

No vehicle abuse.

Negligent equipment care and use which results in damage. Means you can beheld financially responsible.

No hangovers on trip day.

No alcohol on overnight trips, at boatmen’s camps, or anywhere else wheninvolved on an OAP trip.

Gear returned late will be charged a late fee.

Stealing will not be tolerated.

Increasing trip accident potential. E.g.…. A boatman purposely puts his raft &customers into a known hazardous situation. The boatman would be dismissed.

Report and record all incidents, minor medical or major medical emergencies onthe proper form.

The river is no place for sexual advances, welcomed or otherwise, to either patrons or other boatmen.

Help enforce OAP rules and policies fairly and consistently.

If you don’t know, or are unsure, Ask!

No exceptions.



OAP BOATMEN POLICIES

To run the safest and most enjoyable trip possible.

To assist with weekend load-up and clean-up duties whenever possible.

To be thinking in terms of helping customers enjoy and learn during their trip.

Keep humor and language healthy and inoffensive (No Cursing).

Wear clothing in hot springs, saunas, and swimming.

Deal with negative feeling towards someone privately. Open disagreements causeeveryone to lose and trip quality to suffer.

Up early for work details on overnight trips.

Customers are served first, (Meals on extended trips) boatmen after.

Reiterate safety points in your boat and elaborate where necessary.

If patrons are standing around, ask if they want to help carry, load, etc.

A good staff asks what needs doing, how they can help and anticipates needs.

Return all gear where it was found.

Practice minimum impact rafting/camping procedures at all times (pack it in, packit out).

Monitor and remind patrons to take precautions against sunburn, and dehydration.To wear sunglasses, a sunhat, and sunscreen.

Always stay between the lead and sweep rafts.

Always stay in sight of the boats to your front, and behind you.

Watch for other boats in the OAP group, which may be in need of assistance.

Discourage high jumps into water and always go feet first.

Water fighting is okay, if done in moderation; no fighting above rapids, no boarding other rafts, no pulling/throwing of people out of rafts. Be careful at

close range. Captured buckets may be used against other rafts, but must be

returned after 3 uses.

Swimming off of rafts is okay in easy water, but a PFD must be worn. Also, be

sure no one drifts more then 100 feet from your boat and that their feet are notdragging. Let customers know if you are going in for a swim. Always usecaution with both the paddles and oars when customers are in the water

swimming.

Use discretion in personal relationships on the river.

Inflate all air chambers equally and be aware of hot, sunny days and expanding

tubes.

Weekend back-to-back day trips may include camping overnight with rafts. Youare responsible to load your camping gear and coolers set aside for this at the

OAP.



VOLUNTEER LIABILITY

Liability

Definition: As a boatman have the duty to protect someone from foreseeableharm. You as a boatman have this duty, as there are very few acts of God! If you fail in

this responsibility you can be held liable for the consequences.

Professional rafting companies buy liability insurance coverage in the millions of

dollars to protect themselves from lawsuit due to the injury to a customer.

Failure to protect our customers may be from our failure to do our jobs according

to the standards of a professional rafting company. This is called negligence.

If a customer is hurt and they sue us and the court finds us negligent, then the patron wins and he moves to the Caribbean for the rest of his life. The OAP shuts down

here and maybe throughout the Air Force.

Therefore, to prevent being sued; protect your patrons from foreseeable harm andalways follow the standards of the profession, i.e. wear life jackets at all times, use throw

lines, have trained and qualified boatmen, have your first aid and CPR cards updated.

Boatman Insurance

As a volunteer boatman you are considered to be an employee of the government.According to regulations, as long as you are acting within the scope of your duties,

whether paid or unpaid, in an official government activity, then you are considered a

government employee in case of a lawsuit occurring. This means Uncle Sam will back

you up if a patron sues you or the whole Air Force.

However, remember to act within the scope of your duties. Drinking whiskey

for lunch is not within your duties, nor is speeding; either one means patrons could gethurt and could sue you, but this time the government argues that you were negligent in

your duties. You are then out on a very long limb. The moral of the story is to do your

job and do it well, and if you don’t know, then ask!



HUMAN RELATIONSHIPS IN INSURANCE

Our relationship with our participants can help create an atmosphere which would reduce

the possibility of claims made against us. The following list was compiled as a guideline

for your interaction with your participants before and after injuries.

Notice people

Recognize people, learn their names.

Respond to people.

Make Friends. (Friends are less likely to sue one another.)

Comment on things people are doing right. (From the safety point of view.)

Pay special attention to people after an injury. (Recreation allows people to dostupid things they would not do (hopefully) under normal circumstances.)

Observe and document when the injured person seems to be under the influenceof alcohol or drugs. Where did it come from?

Never give first aid without permission of participant.

Document what people say immediately after an accident. (Many times they areself-causing at first.)

When describing how the incident occurred, record what you observed. If you

did not see it, indicate, “Party stated.” If what you saw differs from what participant stated, so indicate.

Put any information, which is pertinent, such as “Participant stated she was not

hurt, but husband insisted she be given first aid”.

If the injury is a result of another participant’s negligence, so indicate.

Note who speaks to the participant and who offers, directs, or gives first aid. Donot include conjecture or possibilities. State only facts you know or quote

comments you hear.

Remember everything you are told is important. Participants often tell the first person they talk to one version of how an accident occurred and tell a different

story later on.

Your report of the accident is very important. You get the first version of how anaccident occurred or you are a witness.

If you think a picture of the location and conditions would help document theaccident, and if you have a camera available, take what pictures you can.



Be sure to indicate any witnesses, boatman or participant, include name, addressand phone. These people are extremely important in a law suit.

If an injury appears serious it may be prudent to ask for written statements by awitness.

Instruct boatmen not to encourage participants to participate in activities, which pose greater than normal hazards, or any activity in which the participant is

reluctant to become involved.



TRIP SAFETY

Safety: Hand in hand with understanding liability

Definition: Reducing accident potential by reducing the interaction of

environmental and human hazards in any given situation.

A very simple way to remember how to increase trip safety:

Accident Equation: A = B + C

A= Accident potentialB= Environmental hazards

C= Customer (Human) hazards

“A” stands for accident potential; “B” can be described as environmentalhazards; and “C” can be described as human hazards. Accident potential could very

easily lead to accidents. Our safety goal is to reduce accident potential by being

constantly aware of and limiting environmental and human hazards for every minute of

every trip, beginning with load up and ending with shutting off the lights and goinghome.

A few common environment hazards on river trips:

- High water - Cold water

- Fast water - Log jams- Wind - Broken oar pin

- Poor road conditions - Vehicle breakdown

- Paddles - Buckets

A few common human hazards on river trips:

- Missing equipment - Insufficient repair kit- Machismos - Ego

- Shyness - Inattentiveness

- Ingressiveness - Over-aggressiveness

- Showing off - Fatigue- Hangovers - Sickness

- Being in a hurry - Lack of knowledge/skill



LEADERSHIP

A method to reduce accident potential is to provide strong, fair, and consistent

leadership in your raft. This means at times you are directive in your approach.

Directive leadership means you are very close to your participants physically, you give

very specific directions, and your attitude is very serious. This form of leadership worksto enforce rules. Rules are things that have no bend in them. They must be followed by

all, especially the leader. Rules provide a way to separate environmental and human

hazards.

Example: The rule to wear lifejacket at all times. Customer falls in river while

showing off doing a handstand on raft bow. Customer’s human hazards of showing offcauses accident potential, but the rule to prevent the environmental hazard; no life jacket

results in the person not drowning.

Directive leadership must be present whenever it concerns safety andemergencies. This is why we practice emergency skills, and perform clearly, efficiently,

and with no questions asked when told by the trip leader to do something in rescues or

medical emergencies. This leadership style is used by paddleboat captains in the form of

yelling commands to the crew as the boat maneuvers through rapids.

One other point concerning leadership is understanding the difference between

actual and perceived risk. Actual risk is the very real danger in any activity due to

the hazards present. Perceived risk is the danger to life and limb in the mind of the

participant.

Class II rapids to most boatmen become “ho-hum” after running them awhile because

there is very little actual risk of broaching on a log jam or a rock, or other dangerous

hazards which would prove to be serious. However, to a new participant in the boat,

a Class II rapid may seem thrilling or dangerous. A good leader understands how an

action or comment on his part livens up a trip by increasing perceived risk in participants, but yet not to the point of making the trip not fun for someone. An

example: before entering a rapid, tell your participants to “paddle hard all togethernow and we might get through this alive.”

Remember too, actual risk may be present when very few environmental hazards

exist, but human hazards are high. An example is the complacent, bored boatman whoruns an easy rapid differently to liven things up and ends up broaching on a shoreline

rock.



OAP CASE HISTORIES

Find the common human and environmental hazard with these true-life OAP

accidents. (Names have been changed to protect the innocent.)

#1 Cindy was on her first raft-training trip and was very excited about it.After a full day on the river she was tired and glad to be reaching the river take-out point.

When the boat touched shore, she jumped out and immediately ran up the bank. She

stepped on a sharp piece of glass, which penetrated her river booties and cut into her foot,requiring four stitches at the hospital.

#2 George was on the last trip of a very busy rafting summer. The OAP wasfloating the North Fork of the Payette River one last time. George had been down this

river a few times before and felt he knew it very well. On the first drop, George let his

boat get very close to a big rock next to the shore. He had always done this on previous

trips in order to give his participants a more thrilling ride. However, the river on this daywas flowing one foot higher. The boat turned sluggish, the crew did not paddle strong

enough to avoid the risk, and the boat broached against the rock. The participants

jumped onto the rock, narrowly escaping being crushed by the water and the boat.



INCIDENT/ACCIDENT REPORTING

This pertains to all operations and is not limited to just patrons on the river.

Reporting allows safety awareness, procedural and rule changes to limit accident

potential.

Incidents are those early warning signs that something is wrong and needs to be

fixed to prevent disaster. Also referred to as near misses. Examples include more thanone near miss at the same road intersection or almost broaching a raft on the same rock

several times.

Minor Medical means someone needed to be treated for a minor injury and the

boatmen’s personal first aid kit needed to be opened.

Incident/Minor Medical Reporting — Fill out the incident/minor medical formas soon as possible so you don’t forget details. Give the report to the trip leader.

Major Medical means a major emergency occurred with program’s primary first

aid kit opened.

Major Medical Reporting — Fill out major medical report of injury form as

required. The report is given to the Rafting Coordinator.

All incidents and accidents will be reviewed and changes to procedures made if needed.

Safety bulletins will be posted on the OAP equipment room bulletin board, which servesas the official bulletin board for OAP boatmen.



INCIDENT/MINOR MEDICAL REPORT

1. Date of incident________ 2. Location of Incident_____________________________

3. Individual(s) Involved

Name Phone Rank Sponsor’s Name

4. Details of Incident (Draw diagram below)____________________________________

5. Action Taken___________________________________________________________

6. Name and Signature of OAP Representative’s_________________________________

7. Staff Member in Charge__________________________________________________

8. Action Taken and Staff Signature__________________________________________

9. Additional Comments____________________________________________________



MAJOR MEDICAL REPORT OF INJURY

DATE___________ TIME______________TIME EMSCONTACTED____________________

LOCATION___________________________BYWHOM______________________________

____________________________________

A. INTERVIEW VICTIM B. CHECK VITALS1. INTRODUCE SELF

1.PULSE

2. RECEIVED CONSENT TO GIVE CARE? 1.________________TIME/RATE

_________YES _________NO

2.________________TIME/RATE

3. VICTIM'S NAME

____________________________________ 3.________________TIME/RATE

4. WHAT HAPPENED?

____________________________________ 2. BREATHING

____________________________________ 1_________________TIME/RATE

____________________________________2.________________TIME/RATE

5. LOCATION OF PAIN

____________________________________ 3.________________TIME/RATE

____________________________________

____________________________________

3. SKIN

6. ALLERGIES? TEMP____________HOT/COOL

____________________________________

MOISTURE_________________

7. CURRENT MEDICATION?

____________________________________ COLOR____________________

C.HEAD TO TOE EXAM

1. HEAD_____________________________ 3. TORSO

________________________________

EYES______________________

FLUID 4. ARMS/FINGERS

____________________________________ ________________________________

EARS NOSE MOUTH

5. PELVIC

2.NECK ________________________________

____________________________________

6. LEGS/TOES

________________________________

ACTION TAKED_________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________

NAME & SIGNATURE OF RESPONDER______________________________________________________



EQUIPMENT AND CHECKOUT PROCEDURES

All gear must be signed out on the Equipment Sign-out Sheet. All applicable blocksmust be filled in and you must have a staff member initial as the issuing person. When

the gear is returned, be sure and have a staff member sign the gear in, and annotate the

gear was returned, and destroy the equipment sign out sheet. If the gear is not annotatedreturned and the gear comes up missing, you could be held financially responsible.

The best way to care for you river gear is:Rinse in cool water immediately after each trip. (Do not let your wet gear sit in

the duffle for days, especially in the heat.) If they are dirty you can just hose them down

and the dirt should wash off. You do not need to wash them with soap unless they are

really dirty (smelly). Let them hang dry, inside out. Do not put in the dryer!



DAY RAFTING TRIP SUGGESTED ITEMS

During the raft-training season, the weather is usually on the chilly side. It is not unusual

to be rained on, sleeted on, and sometimes snowed on. In order to be as comfortable as

possible and protect yourself from hypothermia, the following suggestions are offered

regarding clothing.

There are no changing rooms located on most of the rivers we raft. Therefore, it is a

good idea to wear your bathing suit/swim trunks underneath your street clothes. Once wearrive at the river put-in site, you change into your river clothing and leave your street

clothing in the van where they will be waiting for you at the take-out point, nice and dry.

You may also wish to leave a towel with your clothing — if the river trip was a wet one,it’s much easier changing into dry clothing if your body is dry.

You need to make sure none of your river clothing is cotton. Once cotton gets wet and

cold it stays wet and cold. Cotton clothing provides very little insulation value when wet.Your best bet is a wool or synthetic blend.

The wetsuit is the most important item of river clothing. A wetsuit is not waterproof.

Instead, the wetsuit material allows water to flow in where it is trapped between the innerside of the wetsuit and your skin. Your body heat warms the water and provides you with

a warm layer against your skin. Suits to work the best, they need to be snug, not too

tight, and not to loose fitting.

River booties can be purchased through the OAP. The booties are not required but they

do make a difference in helping to keep your feet warm. The booties are not waterproof;they are made of similar material as the wetsuit.

Another option is wetsocks with sandals or tennis shoes. The wetsocks are made of a

thin layer of neoprene and work in the same manner as a river bootie. The sandals or

tennis shoes usually provide more padding than river booties between your feet and therocks and stones of the river. All sandals and tennis shoes must be securely attached to

your feet – no thongs or slip on sneakers.

If you choose not to purchase river booties or wetsocks, the next best solution is wool

socks and tennis shoes. Remember – do not wear cotton socks as cotton has a very little

insulation value when wet.

A polypropylene longjohn top can add comfort and warmth. During the really cool

days, you may also want to bring along another layer or two of clothing for wearing on

the river. If you do not have polypropylene, a wool or synthetic sweater, or synthetic

longjohns work well.

A rain suit is a hooded jacket and pants made of nylon. These are not waterproof either but do help to deflect the water off of you. They also work great as a windbreaker on

windy days.

Even on cool and cloudy days it is possible to get sun burned. It is advisable to wear

sunscreen while on the river. You are exposed to the sun’s rays from above and the sun

is also reflected off the water. Sunscreen with a minimum sun protection factor of 15 isrecommended. Be sure to apply it before you get to the river; give you skin time to



absorb the sunscreen before you are exposed to the sun. A waterproof or water-resistant

sunscreen is best. Also, be sure to reapply often for maximum benefit.

Gloves are nice to have. Your hands (as well as most of your body) will probably be

getting wet as you go through rapids. Gloves provide warmth and also make it much

easier to grip the paddle when it is cold.

During cold weather and on cool, windy days you may want to wear a stocking cap.

Remember, you can loose 50% or more of your body heat through your head. On brightdays, it’s a good idea to wear a hat with a brim, such as a baseball cap. This will shield

your eyes from the sun and also help keep your face from getting burned.

Sunglasses are a nice comfort item to have along. They should be the type that provide

90-100% UV protection. A retaining strap for your glasses and hat will help to keep your

glasses and hat on your face/head during vigorous water fights, or unexpected swims.

You will need to bring your lunch on most trips. Tupperware-type containers help keep

your lunch from becoming crushed, and also help keep the water out. Easy lunches with

lots of “munchies” work good; fruit, cheese and crackers, peanut butter and jelly

sandwiches, trail mix, etc. During cool weather you can pack your lunch with almost anytype of food. On the really hot days of summer be sure and stay away from foods that

could easily spoil in the heat.

You will also need to bring along something you can drink from all day long. The

combination of the sun, the fun, and the physical exertion makes it possible to become

dehydrated very easily. The best solution is water. Second best is a water based drinksuch as Kool-Aid or lemonade. You should have at least a one-quart container of drink.

Be sure the container is nonbreakable. A hint for the hot days; freeze your water bottle

the night before the trip. That way, your drink will stay fairly cool throughout the day.



WHITEWATER CLASSIFICATION

Class I — Moving water with riffles and small waves. Passages are wide and clear with

no maneuvering required.

Class II — Waves up to three feet high or small rapids require some maneuvering around

rocks or small holes.

Class III — Rapids with high, irregular waves and narrow passages often require multiple

maneuvers.

Class IV — Long, difficult rapids with constricted passages require precise maneuvering

in turbulent waters. Scouting from shore is often necessary and conditions make rescue

difficult.

Class V — Extremely difficult, long and very violent rapids with highly congested routes

may contain drops and large unavoidable waves or holes. Scouting from shore is

essential.

Class VI — Difficulties of Class V carried to the extreme of navigability, nearly

impossible and very dangerous. Beyond the limits of reasonable boating for even the

most expert.



RIVER RAFTING TECHNIQUES

1. River Features (be able to identify and describe)

Main current

Tongue(s) —Downstream pointing “V”

Obstacles — Upstream pointing “V”

Whirlpools

Holes (safe vs. keepers)

Pillow foam configurations

Inside, outside of bend in river

River right and left

Weirs and dams

Waves

Midstream rocks and their dangers

Strainers — on river banks and midstream debris catchers

2. Oar Boat Rowing Techniques

No dangling oars, keep hands on the oars while the blades are in the water.

No fending off rocks with oars Beware of oars hitting rocks in shallow water on downriver side

Use solid deep stroke to the throat of oar

Back pivot and rowing bow upstream

Ferrying at 45 degree angle to the current and point bow at what you wantto avoid.

Portegee technique — pointing bow where you want to go for gentle stretchof water.

Double oar pivot

Bow goes square into waves. Momentum can aid getting through bigwaves.

Folding in oars for narrow sections and docking.

Good technique and a little muscle works much better than all muscle.

3. Paddle Boat Techniques

All gear tied in securely.

All paddlers have system for bracing themselves in.

High siding (in waves, eddies, and obstacles).

Paddle commands:

o All forward All backward

o Left turn Right turn

o Draw right Draw left

o All Stop

The dangers of broaching and how to spin off.

Docking techniques and timing (watch out for getting hung up and rammingobstacles).

Front paddlers set rhythm and right front paddler set rhythm for the left front paddler.

Don’t overwork the crew.

Ensure they have good rhythm and use their whole body to paddle. When possible balance the raft on both sides to have equal strength and weight.



4. Scouting Techniques

Take your time

Identify: main tongues, main current.

Throw in a flotsam to find current.

Pick out route and alternate route.

5. General Policies

Always stay between the lead boat and sweep boat.

Always keep the boat ahead of you and behind you in sight, and if they stop orslow down, do likewise.

Always keep a distance of at least three boat lengths away from any boatwhile entering rapids.

Always remain as a group and not be separated.

Always return all repair gear and fir st aid gear to their boxes as soon as you’refinished with them.

Always be aware of your passengers: their comfort and state of mind,

especially their “fear factor.”



RAFTING PUT-IN BRIEFING

Before every river trip, all participants must be given a thorough briefing on river safety.

This briefing should be specifically tailored to the type of activity involved, whether it’s rafting,kayaking, canoeing, tubing, fishing, or whatever. The briefing should take place at the actual put-

in site, or if the put-in site is crowded, at a nearby location where the group does not add to thecongestion.

The objective of the safety briefing is to inform customers of possible hazards, whichmay be encountered during a river trip, precautions to be taken, and the proper procedures to deal

with those hazards. Keep in mind you will have many newcomers to whitewater recreation whomay be nervous or confused. You should be replacing ignorance with familiarity of theequipment and providing the proper reactions to any possible mishap. Participants should feel

assured every safety precaution is taken and have full confidence in the equipment and their boatman. The safety briefing does not end on shore. It continues on the river as boatmen identify

different river features and the effects they have on the boat and the river.

Items to brief participants on

1. Everyone must wear his lifejacket, fully fastened, at all times while on the water. Explain proper fitting methods and explain why all the buckles must be fastened. Demonstrate

how jackets are designed to keep the wearer floating in an upright position. Mention thatrain ponchos, or any other garment are never worn over the PFD.

2. No consumption of any alcoholic beverages at any time during the course of the trip.3. All ropes and lines must be stored to prevent entanglement.4. Explain entering and exiting the boat, how to sit in the boat, and rinsing off feet before

getting in the raft.5. Do not kneel on boat floors as you can get battered knees that way.6. Practice “no trace” wilderness ethics. 7. Explain toilet stops, including in-camp procedures for using the “honey pot”, and general

along the river “gotta go” stops.

8. Explain the use of bail buckets and the safe way to water fight9. Explain throw lines and how to use them.

10. Demonstrate what to do if someone should fall overboard.

River Features

Main Current River Right and LeftInside, outside bend in river WavesTongue Weirs and DamsSleepers WhirlpoolsHoles (Safe vs. Keepers) Eddies

Strainers, on river banks and Midstream debris catchersMidstream rocks and their danger (pillow/foam configuration)



Potential Mishaps

Mishap Solution

1. Midstream broaching High side. Lean down river. Boatman should make

one last attempt to spin off. If stuck, shift weight from

one end to the other.

2. Going into a large wave High side hard. Lean into downstream side.

sideways or possible flip

3. Flipping (overturned raft) Get out from underneath the raft, keeping feet up and off

river bottom and pointed downstream. If you're on a big

river and raft has flip lines, work you way upstream of

the raft and climb on top of raft. If you come up away

from the raft, make sure you don't get between the raft

and a rock. If water is cold, swim towards a safe

shore where it may be possible for you to be picked

up by another raft. If you have a choice, get out on theside of the river with a road. If water is safe and warm,

stay on the upstream side of the raft and wait to be picked

up by another raft.

4. Swimming in rapids If you have just been washed over board you may be able

to climb back in. (Demo on how to assist someone in.) If you

can’t get back in, and the river is rocky, get your feet up and

in front of you. Looking down river use your feet to

cushion off rocks. If you swim through large holes,

breath through your teeth to avoid swallowing water.

Once through the rapid, swim to shore, avoiding

strainers and brush. To avoid possible foot entrapment

don't stand up until you are to shore. You may be

able to walk down river to the raft. Note: If you're

in the boat and someone else is swimming, don't go

in after them unless they're in trouble or the boatman

tells you to.

Launching and landing a raft at shore

Launching the raft can be very easy if it is in a big, gentle eddy. Simply untie the

raft, slide it into the water (being careful to avoid dragging the raft over sharp rocks), and

shove off. Once in the raft, neatly coil the line and tuck it away (In the Bowline Bag).However, a rocky shore launching from a small, fast eddy requires exact timing and good

communication between the boatman and the launcher.



Landing and securing the raft to shore can, as in launching, be very easy if you are

landing in a big eddy. Simply get the rope ready and when you reach shore, hand orthrow the bow line to a waiting boatman. He will grab the line, pull the boat in, and

steady the boat while your customers and you get out of the raft. You will then take the

bow line from the boatman and secure your raft. (Have your customers clip their

PFD’s/helmets to straps in the raft. This way, they will know where their PFD is, and thelifejackets won’t be damaged on shore, or blown into the river by the wind.)

Additional Hazards

Ticks: Especially in the spring. Check yourself and each other, especially in the

hair.

Snakes: Western rattlers occasionally can be found along the shores of many of

our streams. Simply watch where you walk.

Poison Ivy and Poison Oak : There’s lots of it; know how to identify it.

Sunburn: Wear sunscreen and sunhats; remember water intensifies the sun’seffect. Apply a good layer of sunscreen prior to getting on the river; give it time

to be absorbed into your skin.

Dehydration: Drink water throughout the day. Refill water bottles at our lunch

stop, if needed.Broken glass, Slippery or Sharp Rocks: Look before you step on shore.

Water fights: In moderation. No boarding of other boats or pulling people out of

boats. No water fighting 100 yards before a rapid, ideally all captured bucketsshould be returned before entering a rapid, or after three free shots on the raft

(customer) who lost the bucket.



PADDLE BOAT BRIEFING FOR BOATMEN

Explain commands: Forward, back, left turn, right turn, draw and pry, high side,all stop, paddle easy, paddle hard.

Explain moves: Ferry, eddy out, spins, pace person.

General:

Keep all lines coiled and or stowed securely.

Keep bucket secured when not in use.

Keep feet in the raft.

Keep shoes on and laced.

Lean on the tubes when boat enters big waves or holes, and use your legs and feetto brace into the raft. Always be ready to move to the high side.

Everyone wears a helmet at all times if required by trip leader.

Do not kneel or sit on raft floor, lest the raft hits a passing rock.

When the boat is about to land, the bow person should pick a good landing spot tostep onto. Have the rope ready to wrap around a rock or tree, and have the rock or

tree picked out prior to stepping out of the raft, just before the boat lands. Try not

to bang into trees/rocks when landing/launching.

Emphasize:

Importance of everyone working as a team.

Everybody counts.

Keeping rhythm and timing with voice commands, e.g. stroke – stroke.

Tips:

Keep the crew well balanced. Change people’s position in the raft if you have to.

Pick a good strong paddler for the right front position and have the rest of thecrew match his/her rhythm.

Avoid shouting at, or overworking your crew.

Give loud, clear and firm commands which all can hear – Keep panic out of yourvoice and actions.

Keep practicing the moves and commands (Left Turn, Right Turn,) prior togetting into the rapids. When the raft is in a rapid, this is not the time to practice

the turns. They should be practiced in the flat/calm water prior to any rapids.

This way you may only have to remind the paddlers what actions are required forwhat turn.



OAR BOAT BRIEFING FOR BOATMEN

General:

Hold on tight (Straps, Frame) in the rapids, get low and lean onto the tubes to prevent getting washed overboard.

Caution people in the bow to avoid sitting where they can get struck by aswinging oar. Show them the arc of the oar swing. Explain command “shippingoar”.

Instruct how to keep the lines coiled and stowed away.

Do not kneel or sit on the bottom of the raft.

Review “S.O.P” after flip ping – swim with feet up, boat downstream of swimmer,swim to nearest raft or shore, don’t stand until very shallow and current is very

slow.

No dangling of the downstream oar.

Work on smooth and precise technique.

Be sure to avoid running over rocks.

Avoid any river features you’re not real sure of, or experienced with.

Stay well away from outside river bends, and shoreline vegetation and hazards.



GENERAL RAFTING TIPS

Reach out and welcome customers — be warm and open with all participants.

Avoid hanging out with other boatmen and creating “in” and “out” groups. Keepeveryone included. Build group spirit.

Participants are unfamiliar with the river and rafting; treat them as equals and seewhat you can learn from them as they learn about the river.

Teach paddle crew about the river and rafting; give them a chance to row and

captain the raft in flat water. Avoid overdoing the commands. Be calm, precise

and clear when you give paddling commands.

Keep language and humor healthy and non-offensive.

Boatmen need to keep their clothes on in public, keep their vital parts adequatelycovered, and refrain from making unwelcomed advances.

If folks are standing around, ask if they want to help carry, load, pump, etc. Thishelps them feel like they are part of the trip.

Good boatmen support one another, support the OAP, and support the leader. Itonly takes one person to damage the team spirit and the trip experience.

If there are any negative feelings or problems, deal with them privately and at theappropriate time. Disagreements, complaints, criticism, and negative feelings

voiced aloud or to the wrong person can cause everyone to lose and the tripquality to decline.

A good boatman ask what needs doing, how they can help and anticipates theneeds of the trip. A good boatman doesn’t disappear when he or she is needed.

Allow enough time for work, start early, and not at the last minute. Rushing

usually results in tasks being forgotten or missed.

Be present and listening at the put-in briefing, reiterate the safety and “what if’s” points in your boat and elaborate where necessary. Balance the humor and

seriousness.



While on the River

All boats stay between the lead and sweep boats. Never pass the lead boat. Keepthe boats in front of you and behind you in sight. Lead boat may be trying to set a

quicker or slower pace. Be aware of the pace which is being set and don’t get too

far apart.

Always keep the boat in front of you and in back of you generally in sight. If any

boat stops to eddy out, do the same. Otherwise the group is suddenly separatedand unable to help each other or make a decision. This is very important.

When passing or being passed on the river by other groups-be friendly but avoidgetting our boats mixed in with their boats; stay together as one group.

Swimming off the raft is okay, but ensure lifejackets are on and no one drifts

beyond 100 feet from the boat. Ensure swimmers are always observed. NO

DIVING!!

If swimming off the OAR Boat, as the boatman, secure your oars, and remember

to tell your passengers what you’re doing before you disappear into the river.

Discourage any high jumps into river and always go feet first.

Keep an eye out for funyakers who are often inexperienced and can get caught between the raft and a hard place. Also be ready to help them out if they get

swamped or are swimming.

Gently remind folks to cover up, wear sunscreen, sun hats, and sunglasses. Watchout for sunburn.

Gently remind folks to drink lots of water. Watch out for headaches, which arethe first signs of dehydration.

Water fights are okay if done in moderation; no fighting above rapids, no boarding other rafts. Be careful at close range, no face shots. Captured buckets

may be used three times against the customer/boatman who lost it, and thenreturned.

Boatman’s job is to keep things under control, keep it fun, and avoid any real

fights.

Keep a close watch on tube pressure and bleed off air when it becomes too tighton hot days. Tubes can burst in a relative short time if not regulated.

Avoid shouting and loud behavior, except in water fights. Memorize, and always be watching for, use, and pass-on the river hand/paddle signals to communicate

with the other boatman.



Sometimes all boats need to pull out in unison, in which case the leader will lookat and/or point to each boatman at the put-in. The boatman will either give

“thumbs up” meaning ready to go, or flash a number of fingers which indicate thenumber of minutes needed to get ready. Ready means: boat off beach, all gear

tied in, lines coiled, secured, passengers in place with lifejackets on, and bow

person standing in water ready to shove off. When all boats are ready, the lead boat swings into current and each boat follows quickly and smartly in line, with

enough distance for safety. At put-ins near shove-off time, keep an eye on the

leader for signals. Watch the routes of the lead boat and for signals that indicateanother path or change of direction. But also read the water for yourself. If beached on a sandbar and unable to get free by any other means, have passengers

step to upstream side of boat while hanging on tightly and braced, ready to jump

back in.

Read and review this until you are very familiar and comfortable with it.



BOATMEN’S REVIEW FOR EXTENDED RAFTING TRIPS

Being a boatman is a special experience; very few people ever have or take such

an opportunity. A good boatman has river skills, camp skills, and people skills, which he

or she is always improving upon. The review below is simply an outline of the major

details a boatman needs to be familiar with before going on an extended trip. This reviewcomes after many long hours on the river trying to run trips as smoothly and as efficiently

as possible. We encourage you to read it, think about it, and improve on it if you can.

Without good boatmen, the rafting trips fall apart; this is especially true on

extended river trips. Managing twenty-five to thirty people, all their gear, food, water,

their kitchen, bathroom, living room and sleeping area for twenty-fours hours a day overa four to eight day trip is quite an undertaking. Because of the close and out-of-the

ordinary living situation, feelings can become very intense very quickly. Good, honest

and sensitive communication is a number-one priority. It’s the leaders and boatmen’s

responsibility to set a very positive, warm, accepting, and friendly atmosphere. If there isanything you’re unsure of as a boatman, ask the leader and clarify it before costly

mistakes or embarrassments occur. OAP boatmen have always been very special people

and absolutely critical to the success of the entire program. Please let us know how we

can help you continue to be the special and important folks, which you are.

Below is part of our plan to run great trips with fun, excitement and relaxation

time for all. Without a solid plan of action and guidelines to follow, trips rapidlydeteriorate and people don’t enjoy them. We couldn’t possible list all the details, but we

did cover the major ones. If you have any additions/revision/misunderstanding, please let

us know.

In Camp

Plan to be on the river by approx. 9:00 am for most trips. All boatmen need to

have their gear packed and ready to load by the end of breakfast, usually 8:00 or8:30 am. This allows for all the boatmen to begin loading or transporting gear to

the rafts at the end of breakfast, and avoids rushing around and spoiling the quiet

morning atmosphere. It is important for the boatmen tasked with breakfast tohave their duffels packed, and river gear on prior to starting breakfast. If boatmen

are late for loading, the whole trip becomes late, and as you can lose planned

campsites to other groups on the river, the result could be eating a late dinner at10:00 pm.

Breakfast served about 07:00-7:30 am. Lunch at noon. Dinner served about5:00-6:00 pm.

Help to double-check, that everyone brings and fills their canteen at breakfast, before the water jugs are stowed away.

In the morning, just before shoving off there will be a briefing to review the day’sagenda and highlights. Ensure you are aware of the days agenda and time table.

Latrine (Joan) gets set up first thing at the take-out, and is the last thing takendown in the morning — about half an hour after breakfast. Remember to give alast call for the latrine before taking it down.



Latrine set-up includes: Joan Tent, latrine (Joan), the ammo can with seat, toilet paper, soap, plastic bags, and a Paddle to hang up/out as the “in use” sign.

All trash and garbage goes in plastic bags which are later stored in coolers whenthey become empty.

Smash all cans and crush all boxes before putting in trash.

Fires generally are not used, and then only if firewood is plentiful; keep a full

water bucket alongside the fire pan, which will house the fire. All Ashes are packed out in an Ammo can.

Dirty dishwater will be strained, and then the food particles will be thrown intothe garbage prior to the water being thrown out. Dishwater will be disposed of

above the high water line.

During meals, if the wash or rinse water becomes too scuzzy, be sure to strain andthen replace it.

When working with food, wash hands, wear a shirt, clean and wipe down allutensils, pots, cutting boards as you go, keep food and kitchen appearances

appetizing.

Use cutting boards, not tables

Use coolers for food only, not personal gear.

Return all gear and equipment where it was found, e.g. repair kit, first aid kit.

Treat all gear and equipment gently (like it belongs to you) —don’t toss it around.

The OAP has a very small limited budget.



Setting Up Camp

Upon arriving at camp for the evening, all boatmen help unload, set up thekitchen, and assist participants with their camps and tents if they need help.

Before boatmen set up their own tent and camp area, they need to clean,straighten up, inflate/deflate their boat. Be sure the boat is well beached andsecured with at least two solid tie-offs. All boats should be neat and tidy, with no

miscellaneous gear left inside. Boats should always be arranged to look sharp andorderly on shore.

Remind participants before you hit shore that all personal gear, and water bottlesmust come off boats, and the PFD’s/helmets should be clipped/tied into the rafts.

Participants and boatman often forget this.

Each boatman is responsible for his/her boat being clean, orderly, properly

inflated, tied up, etc. If a boat drifts quietly off and down the river at night, or a

wind blows away personal gear left onboard overnight, guess who is responsible?

Double check to see if you’re needed for the porta-potty, kitchen set-up and breakdown, or cooking.

Duties are spread out so that all are equally shared. When you are not on duty,your boat is taken care of, the trip leader is not in need of your assistance, you are

free to do as you please, and are encouraged to relax, read, play washers, and

enjoy the camp.



CARE AND USE OF RAFTS

Do Not’s

1. Do not step on/in the raft when it is on dry land or out of the water unless you

have clean feet.2. Do not drag a raft; always lift or carry, especially over rocks.

3. Do not store or leave raft inflated in a hot environment without bleeding air or

cooling the tubes down with water.4. Do not pull a raft out of the bed of the truck without, a tarp being laid out

prior, or the area having been cleaned of rocks/sticks/debris.

Inflating/Deflating

1. Lay the raft on a smooth surface without sharp objects.

2. Do not walk on deflated the rafts — kneel on tubes to inflate.3. Partially inflate each air chamber before fully inflating all chambers completely.

Fill bottoms, thwarts, then side tubes.

4. Top off air chambers in the morning and bleed chambers, especially the thwart,

after air has expanded them on hot days. Stop adding air when the tube is drumtight. Why? Because as the temperature outside rises, the air pressure inside the

tube will rise. At drum tight, the pressure equals approximately two pounds per

square inch (psi) if filled during the cool of the morning. By late afternoon, thehot sun will cause the 2 psi to increase up to 8 psi. Rafts usually have a bursting

pressure between 10 and 13 psi. The drum tight method allows for air expansion

and will ensure fabric of raft is not excessively stressed.5. Deflate raft by opening floor air chambers, thwart air chambers, and then side

tubes air chambers simultaneously.

Patching

Follow these steps when applying a nylon-hypalon patch to a raft.

1. Cut a patch three to four inches wider and three to four inches longer than the

damaged area. It is best to use a continuous patch to cover the entire damage.

Avoid patching over seams; these usually leak.

2. When cutting patches, round the corners and bevel the edges on the cuts byangling the scissors.

3. Center each patch over the damage and draw the outline of the patch on the raft

with a felt pen. If the damage area is stretched out on a flat hard surface, the

patch will be much easier to apply.

4. Rough up the area of the outline plus one inch over the line. Remove any loose paint and clean any tape away from seams. Use tolulene during and after the

bugging because it acts as a paint remover and cleaning agent, and also softensthe material, which allows the glue to get a better grip. When using tolulene, be

very careful to work outdoors with plenty of fresh air, wear chemical resistant

gloves, and do not rub too much rubber off. Tolulene is Toxic! Thoroughly5. rough up the side of the patch that will face the raft. Use sandpaper or metal tool

for roughing up.



6. With a rag, apply tolulene lightly to all roughed up surfaces, let all surfaces dry

completely.7. Realign patch over damaged area. Re-draw outline of patch on raft. Draw a line

at the 12:00 and 6:00 positions, one inch long, on the patch and overlapping onto

the raft for another one inch. (These marks will help in correct patch placement.)

8. Apply a thin coat of adhesive to the boat and the patch, and let dry until it is nolonger tacky to the touch. (Approximately ten minutes)

9. Apply a second coat. While the glue is still tacky and approximately five minutes

after applying, the two surfaces are ready to be joined.10. Align the one inch lines at 12:00 and 6:00 positions, press the patch on the boat

starting from the center and working towards the edge. The edge of the patch

must meet a roughed up and glued area, or there is a chance that the edge of the patch will lift.

11. Press the entire patch very hard with the edge of a blunt round tool or roller to

force out air bubbles.

12. Let the patch cure for at least four hours, preferably twelve to twenty-four hours.You may have to cover this patch with another larger patch if it leaks.

Hints

1. Always allow enough time for the glue to cure completely before fully inflating

the chamber. Duct tape can be used as a temporary patch on the river.

2. If the patch is too small, it will blister when the tube is inflated.3. If pressure is not maintained, trace the leak by painting the chamber with water

and marking the spot where bubbles appear. Then repair leaks.

4. If water gets into the chamber, it should be poured or siphoned out before patching.

5. When patching in the rain, set up a rain fly over your work area.

Rolling Up Raft

Items needed:

Two or more fresh buckets of water

Ten foot straps equivalent to the number of boats

Tarp large enough for raft to lay completely on

1. Clean and wash raft. It is best to have three people per boat. Lay the raft on a

clean surface to roll. Boatmen should have clean booties while rolling.2. Coil bow and stern lines and place inside raft.

3. Fold raft into thirds lengthwise.

4. Place strap, buckle first and upside down, four feet underneath bow.

5. Grab the bow of the folded raft and walk it to the stern. Place tip of bowapproximately 18 inches short of the stern tip.

6. Grab the fold and pull it up approximately three feet, then pull the new fold up

even with the stern.

7. Grab the buckle, insert the strap into the buckle and tighten.

8. Hand the end of the strap to the person loading the truck9. The person in the truck with strap in hand will call “Ready? One, Two, Three,

Lift” All will lift on command.



PERSONAL FLOATION DEVICES (PFD’s)

Federal regulations require personal Flotation Devices

Coast Guard regulations in Part 175 of Title 33, Code of Federal Regulations require

personal flotation devices in the following three situations:

1. No person may use a recreational boat less than 16 feet in length or a canoe orkayak unless at least one personal flotation device (PFD) of the following types is

on board for each person: 1) Type I PFD, 2) Type II PFD, 3) Type III PFD, or 4)

Type IV PFD.2. No person may use a recreational boat 16 feet or more in length, except a canoe or

kayak unless at least one personal flotation device of the following types is on

board for each person: 1) Type I PFD, 2) Type II PFD, 3) Type III PFD, or 4)Type IV PFD.

3. No person may use a recreational boat 16 feet or more in length, except a canoe or

kayak, unless at least one TYPE IV PFD is on board in addition to the PFD’s

required in paragraph 2.

There are Five Types of Personal Flotation Devices

Note: The following types of PFD’s are designed to perform as described in calm water

and when the wearer is not wearing any other flotation material (such as a wetsuit).

TYPE I — Has the greatest required buoyancy and is designed to turn most unconscious

persons in the water from a face down position to a vertical and slightly backward position and to maintain the person in the vertical and slight backward position and,

therefore, greatly increase his or her chances of survival. The Type I PFD is suitable for

all waters, especially for cruising on waters where there is a probability of delayed

rescue, such as large bodies of water where it is not likely that a significant number of boats will be in close proximity. The Type I PFD is the most effective of all the types,

and is recommended in rough water. The Type I PFD is the easiest to don in an

emergency because it is reversible and available in only two sizes--Adult (90 lbs. ormore) and Child (less that 90 lbs.), which are universal sizes (designed to fit all persons

in the appropriate category).

TYPE II — Is designed to turn the wearer to a vertical and slightly backward position in

the water. Turning action is not as pronounced as with a Type I and the device will not

turn as many persons under the same conditions as the Type I. The Type II is usuallymore comfortable to wear than the Type I. The Type II is normally designed for easy of

emergency donning and is available in the following sizes: Adults (more than 90 lbs) —

Medium Child (50-90 lbs) and two categories of Small Child (less than 50 lbs or



less than 30 lbs). Additionally, some models are sized by chest size. You may prefer to

use the Type II where there is a probability of quick rescue such as areas where it iscommon for other persons to be engaged in boating, fishing, and other water activities.

TYPE III — Is designed so that the wearer can place himself or herself in a vertical and

slightly backward position, and the device will maintain the wearer in that position and

have no tendency to turn the wearer face down. A Type III can be the most comfortable,comes in a variety of styles which should be matched to the individual use, and is usually

the best choice for water sports, such as skiing, hunting, fishing, canoeing, and kayaking.

This type PFD normally comes in many chest sizes and weight ranges; however some

universal sizes are available. You may also prefer to use the Type III where there is a probability of quick rescue such as areas where it is common for other persons to be

engaged in boating, fishing and other water activities.

TYPE IV — is designed to be grasped and held by the user until rescued, as well as to bethrown to a person who has fallen overboard. While the Type IV is acceptable in place of

a wearable device in certain instances, this type is suitable only where there is a

probability of quick rescue such as areas where it is common for other persons to beengaged in boating, fishing and other water activities. It is not recommended for non-

swimmers and children.

TYPE V —PFD’s are approved only for certain boating activities. The label on the

device will show its approved uses, limitations, size, and performance type.



Your Personal Floatation Device

You are required by Federal Regulation to have at least one Coast Guardapproved personal flotation device (PFD) for each person in your recreational boat. You

may not use your recreational boat unless all your PFD’s are in serviceable condition, are

readily accessible, are legibly marked with the Coast Guard approval number, and are of

an appropriate size (within the weight range and chest sizes marked on the PFD) for each person on board.

Each of these devices is intended to help you save your own liveFor your PFD to function properly follow these suggestions to ensure it fits,

floats, and remains in good condition.

1. Try your wearable PFD on and adjust it until it fits comfortably in and out of thewater.

2. Try your PFD out in the water. This will show you how it works and will give

you confidence when you use it. You should be aware your PFD might perform

differently under different conditions such as in swift water, with bulky clothing,etc.

3. Mark you PFD with your name if you are the only wearer.

4. Do not alter your PFD. If it doesn’t fit properly get one that does. An altered

device is no longer Coast Guard approved.5. Your PFD is not intended for use as a fender or kneeling pad.

6. Inspect your PFD periodically to ensure it is free of rips, tears, or holes, that the

flotation pads have no leaks, and all seams and joints are securely sewn.7. Keep you PFD away from sharp objects, which may rip the fabric or puncture the

flotation pads.

8. If your PFD contains kapok, the kapok fibers may become waterlogged and losetheir buoyancy after the vinyl inserts are split or punctured. When the kapok

becomes hard or if the kapok is soaked with water, the PFD is no longer

serviceable. It may not work when you need it and must be replaced.

9. If your PFD contains foam buoyant material, the foam may lose buoyancy from

compression, water absorption and other effects of use, to the degree that it is nolonger service able. The in-water performance of the device should therefore be

checked at the beginning of each season (more often if you subject it to frequentor very hard use) to determine it supplies enough flotation for your needs.

10. If your PFD is wet, allow it to dry thoroughly before storing it. Store it in a well-

ventilated area.

11. Do not dry your PFD on or near a radiator or other source of direct heat.12. If you must swim while wearing your PFD use back or sidestrokes.

Why do you need a PFD?

Your PFD provides buoyancy to help keep your head above the water and to help

you remain in a satisfactory position in the water. The average weight of an adult is only10 – 12 pounds in the water and the buoyancy provided by the PFD will support that

weight in the water. Unfortunately, your body weight does not determine how much youwill weight in the water. In fact, your weight in water changes slightly throughout the

day. There is no simple method of determining your weight in water. You should try the

device in the water to make sure it supports your weight and keeps your head and mouth

out of water. Remember, all straps, zippers, and tie tapes must be sewed and of coursethe PFD must be the proper size (size limitations are on the label).



Things to consider about PFD’s

1. USCG approval of a PFD does not imply it is ideal for all uses. For instance,there are a number of PFDs, which are better suited for water skiing and others for

whitewater canoeing and kayaking. These and other PFDs are labeled

accordingly.

2. Some PFDs are more rugged and durable than others but usually cost more. Youshould evaluate the trade-offs, your intended use, and how often the PFD will

have to be replaced.

3. The use of most Type IV throw able PFDs usually require you to grasp the deviceuntil rescued, which could prove difficult if there is an extended delay or if you

are overcome by hypothermia (loss of body heat to the water). Also it implies

that if you find yourself in the water there will be someone available to throw it toyou.



HOW TO USE THE RESCUE THROW BAG

The throw bag or safety rope is the effective and primary tool of rescue. It consists of a

stuff bag, 65 feet of proline, and a quick release strap. To be proficient in its use one

should practice throwing on both land and in a raft in moving water.

Steps for Use:

1. Detach the bag from the raft by squeezing the quick-release buckle.

2. Open the bag and grasp the hand loop. (Do not put your hand through the loop)

3. Grasp the bag with the throwing hand.4. Get the swimmer’s attention by yelling “Rope” or by blowing a whistle.

5. Try to hit the swimmer or get the bag just upstream of the swimmer.

6. Brace yourself and be ready to belay swimmer.

7. If you miss, retrieve the rope and looping half of it in your free hand and half of itin your throwing hand. Throw the coil in your throwing hand underhand and the

other coil will follow.

Never tie off the rope when throwing to a swimmer. The rope may become entangledaround a body part and need instant release.

To re-stuff the rescue throw bag:

1. Grab the lip of the rescue bag with your thumb on the inside and your middle

finger on the outside.2. Place the rescue line between your index finger and thumb; touch your index

finger to you thumb, enclosing line.

3. With the other hand, reach inside the bag beneath your thumb and grab the line

and pull the line to the bottom of the bag.

4. Continue repeating this movement until you reach the end of the line where theloop is located.

5. Leaving the loop outside the bag, close the bag securely. Re-attach rescue bag tothe raft.



RIVER AND RAFTING TERMS

Above Up river from.

Alluvial Pertaining to material carried or laid down by running water.

Alluvium is the material deposited by streams. It includes gravel,sand, silt, and clay.

Back Ferry The maneuvering of a paddle boat, while facing downstream withthe paddlers paddling backwards, laterally across the current. A

right back ferry has the paddle boat facing down river toward the

right bank; a left back ferry has the paddle boat facing downrivertoward the left bank.

Back Pivot Turning the oar raft from a ferry angle to a stern downstream

position. Used in tight places to recover from an extreme ferryangle. This maneuver narrows the passing space of the boat and

allows it to slide closely past obstructions.

Backroller A broad reversal, such as that found below a dam or ledge.

Bar An accumulation of sand, gravel, or rock in the river channel or

along the banks.

Beam The width of a raft at its widest point.

Belay To wrap a line around a rock or tree so as to slow or stop slippage.

This technique allows one man to hold a line under great tension.

Below Down river from.

Big Water Large volume, fast current, big waves, often accompanied by huge

reversals and extreme general turbulence. The terms big water andheavy water are closely similar, but big water carries stronger

suggestions of immense volume and extreme violence.

Boat Raft. These words are interchangeable.

Boil A water current upwelling into a convex mound.

Bow The front of a boat.

Bow-In With bow pointed forward.

Broach To run a raft onto a rock, thus slowing or stopping movement of

the raft.

Cartwheeling Technique of spinning a raft just before a collision with a rock so

as to rotate the raft off and around the rock.



CFS Cubic feet per second. Sometimes referred to as second feet. A

unit of water flow used to indicate the volume of water flowing persecond past any given point along a river.

Channel A raft able route through a section of river.

Chute A clear channel between obstructions, steeper and faster than the

surrounding water.

Confluence The point where two of more rivers meet.

Curier A high, step wave that curls or falls back onto it own upstreamface. Considered by most to be a form of reversal. See Reversal.

Double-Oar Oar boat rowing technique used to turn (or to prevent the turning

Pivot of ) a raft. Consists of simultaneously pulling on one oar while pushing the other.

Draw Stroke Paddling technique of moving the boat sideways by reaching away

from the side of the boat, placing the blade of the paddle into thewater, and pulling the paddle toward the boat. Opposite of Pry

Stroke.

D-Ring Metal, D-shaped ring attached to a raft and used to secure frames,

lines, rope thwarts, etc.

Drop An abrupt decent in a river.

Eddy A place where the current either stops or turns to head upstream.

Usually found below obstructions and on the inside of bends.

Eddy Cushion The layer of slack or billowing water that pads the upstream face

of rocks and other obstructions. See Pillow.

Eddy Line The sharp boundary at the edge of an eddy between two currents of

different velocity or direction. Usually marked by swirling water

and bubbles.

Falls A drop over which the water falls free at least part of the way.

Ferry A maneuver for moving a boat laterally across a current. Ferry

position, right or left, refers to which side the bow of the paddleboat, or which side the stern of an oar boat points. See also

Back Ferry and Reverse Ferry.

Flood Plain Portion of a river valley, adjacent to the river channel, which is

built of sediments deposited by the river and which is covered withwater when the river overflows its banks at flood stages.

Freeboard The distance from the water line to the top of the buoyancy tube.

Galloway Basic position for oar boats; the oarsman faces the bow, which



Position is pointed downstream.

Grip The extreme upper end of a single-bladded paddle, shaped for

holding with the palm over the top.

Haystack A large standing wave caused by deceleration of current.

Heavy Water Fast current, large waves, usually associated with holes, boulders,

and general turbulence. See Big Water.

Hole A reversal. The term is generally applied to reversals of less than

river wide width.

Hung Up Said of a raft which is caught on but not wrapped around a rock or

other obstacle.

Hydraulic A reversal. This is a general term for reversals, and other places

where there is a hydraulic gap, a powerful current differential.

Sometimes used in the plural to refer to the whole phenomenon of

big water, where massive waves, violent currents, and large holesare the obstacles, rather than rocks.

Hypothermia A serious physical condition caused by a lowering of the core bodytemperature. Symptoms include lack of coordination, thickness of

speech, irrationality, blueness of skin, dilation of pupils, decreased

in heart and respiratory rate, extreme weakness, and uncontrolledshivering. Victims often become unconscious and sometimes die.

First aid: Quickly strip off wet clothes and surround victim skin-

to skin in a bare-body sandwich.

High Side Jump to the downstream side of the raft, fast! This command isused just before collisions with rocks and other obstructions. If a

crew is quick, the raft’s upstream side is lifted up in time to let thecurrent slide under, rather than into, the raft. This action often

prevents the raft from becoming wrapped, filled with water or

flipped.

Keeper A reversal capable of trapping a raft or swimmer for long periods.

Similar to but more powerful than a stopper.

Ledge The exposed edge of a rock stratum that acts as a low natural dam

or as a series of such dams.

Lining The use of ropes to work a boat down through a rapid from shore.

Log Jam A strainer dam of logs across a river. This dangerous phenomenon

is common on small streams in wooded country.

Oar Clip The clip is a “U” shaped piece of metal attached to the oar and the

And Pin pin is attached to the frame. The clip snaps onto the pin, whichresults in a “rowing setup”. Note: The clip towards stern: oar

towards bow. See Thole Pin.



Oar Frame Same as a rowing frame.

Pillow The layer of slack water that pads the upstream face of rocks and

other obstructions. The broader the upstream face, the more ample

the pillow. Also called an eddy cushion.

Pivot Turning the raft from a ferry angle to a bow downstream position.

This narrows the passing space of the boat, allowing it to slideclosely past obstructions. Sometimes called a front pivot.

Pool A deep and quiet stretch of river.

Portegee Rowing technique of moving a OAR boat forward by pushing on

the oars.

Pry Stroke Paddling technique of moving a boat sideways away from the

paddle by placing the paddle blade next to the boat and pulling on

the handle while pushing the blade away. Opposite of a Draw

Stroke.

Rapid A fast, turbulent stretch of river, often with obstructions, but

usually without an actual waterfall.

Reversal A place where the current swings upward and revolves back on

itself, forming a treacherous meeting of currents that can drown

swimmers and slow, swamp, trap or fill rafts. Some reversals takethe form of flat, foamy, surface backflows immediately below

large obstruction just under the surface, while others consist of

steep waves that curl heavily back onto their own upstream faces.

Reversals are also called hydraulics, stoppers, keepers, whiteeddies, roller waves, back rollers, curlers, side curlers, souse holes

and most frequently, holes. Although most of these terms are used

loosely to refer to any sort of reversal, other carry more preciseshades of meaning and refer to certain types of reversals. Each of

these terms is discussed separately in this glossary.

Reverse Ferry A paddle technique where by the paddle boat is facing upstream at

a ferry position and is using a forward stroke to slow down and

move across the river. A reverse right ferry has the paddle boat

facing upstream with the bow pointed to the left, which is the right

bank, and all paddlers are paddling forward.

River Left When looking downstream, river left would be the left side of the

river; when looking upstream, and it would be the right side.

River Right When looking downstream, river right would be the right side of

the river; when looking upstream, it would be the left side.



Rock Garden A rapid thickly strewn with exposed or partially covered rocks that

demand maneuvering.

Roller Wave A reversal. This term is used variously to mean curler and backroller.

Rowing Frame A rigid frame that provides a seat for the oarsman and allows the

raft to be controlled by large oars. It often also serves as a rack for

gear. Also called an oar frame.

Scout To examine a rapid from shore.

Section A portion of river located between two points; a stretch.

Shuttle The process of moving vehicles from the put-in to the take-out or

trip members in the reverse direction.

Sleeper Submerged rock or boulder just below the surface, usually marked

by little or no surface disturbance.

Sneak To take an easy route around a difficult spot. Often takes the formof maneuvering down one side of a big rapid in order to avoid the

turbulence in the center.

Stage Marker A gauge placed along a river shoreline that is calibrated in feet or

fractions thereof starting from an arbitrary zero point. Withappropriate conversion information, these readings may be

converted into CFS or, more important, raft ability ratings.

Staircase A stretch of river where the water pours over a series of drops that

resembles a staircase.

Standing Wave A wave caused by the deceleration of current that occurs when fast

moving water slams into slower moving water. Unlike oceanwaves, which sweep forward while the water in them remains

relatively still, merely rising and falling in place, these waves stand

in a fixed position while the water rushed through them. Theheight of these waves is measured vertically from the trough to the

crest.

Stern The rear of the boat.

Stopper A reversal powerful enough to stop a raft momentarily. Also called

a stopper wave. See Keeper.

Strainer Brush, fallen trees, bridge pilings, or anything else that allows thecurrent to sweep through but pins boats and boaters. These are

lethal.

Stretch A portion of river located between two points; a section.

Thole Pin An upright steel pin on a rowing frame that serves as a fulcrum, or pivot point, for the oar.

Throat In an oar or paddle, the point where the shaft meets the blade.

Tongue The smooth “V: of fast water found at the head of rapids.



Trim The angle to the water at which a boat rides. The crew and gear

should be positioned so that the boat is level from side to side, andslightly heaver in the bow than in the stern.

Wetsuit A close fitting garment of neoprene foam that provides thermal

insulation in cold water.

Wrap Said of a raft pinned flat around or on a rock or other obstruction

by the current.

FOUR LINES OF DEFENSE AGAINST HYPOTHERMIA

THINK HYPOTHERMIA. If you are outdoors for recreation, you presumably do notintend to jeopardize your life. Hypothermia may be a new word to you, but it is the only

word that describes the rapid, progressive mental and physical collapse accompanying the

chilling of the inner core of the human body. Hypothermia is caused by exposure to cold,

aggravated by wet, wind and exhaustion. It is the number one killer of outdoorrecreationalist.

TAKE HEED OF HYPOTHERMIA WEATHER

Cold kills in two distinct steps. Step one is exposure and exhaustion. The moment your

body begins to lose heat faster than it produces it, you are undergoing exposure. Twothings happen; you voluntarily exercise to stay warm or your body makes involuntary

adjustments to preserve normal temperature in the vital organs. Either response drains

your energy reserves. The only way to stop the drain is to reduce the degree of exposure.

The time to prevent hypothermia is during the period of exposure and gradual exhaustion.

Step two is hypothermia. If exposure continues until your energy reserves are exhausted,

hypothermia results. Cold reaches the brain, depriving you of judgment and reasoning power. You will not realize this is happening. You will lose control of your hands.Your internal temperature is sliding downward. Without treatment, this slide leads to

stupor, collapse, and death.

YOUR FIRST LINE OF DEFENSE: AVOID EXPOSURE

1. STAY DRY. When clothes get wet, they lose about 90% of their insulating

value. Wool loses less; cotton and synthetics lose more.2. BEWARE OF THE WIND. A slight breeze carries heat away from the bare skin

much faster than still air. Wind drives cold air under and through clothing. Wind

refrigerates wet clothes by evaporating moisture from the surface. Wind

multiplies the importance of staying dry.3. UNDERSTAND THE COLD. Most hypothermia cases develop in air

temperatures between 30 and 50 degrees. Most outdoorsmen simply can’t

4. Believe such temperatures can be dangerous. They fatally underestimate the

danger of being wet at such temperatures. 50 degree water is unbearably cold.

The cold that kills is cold water running down neck and legs; cold water heldagainst the body by sopping clothes; cold water flushing body heat from the

surface of the clothes. Don’t ask, “How cold is the air?” Ask instead, “How cold

is the water against my body?”



5. USE YOUR CLOTHES. Put on rain gear before you get wet. Put on wool

clothes before you start shivering.

YOUR SECOND LINE OF DEFENSE: TERMINATE EXPOSURE

1. If you cannot stay dry and warm under existing weather conditions, use the

clothes you have with you, and attempt to terminate exposure.2. Be smart —discontinue the activity to insure group’s safety.

3. Get out of the wind and rain. Build a fire. Concentrate on making your camp or

bivouac as secure and comfortable as possible.4. Never ignore shivering. Persistent or violent shivering is a clear warning that you

are on the verge of hypothermia. Make camp.

5. Forestall exhaustion. Make camp while you still have a reserve of energy. Allowfor the fact that exposure greatly reduces your normal endurance. You may think

you are doing fine when the fact that you are exercising is the only thing

preventing your going into hypothermia. If exhaustion forces you to stop,

however briefly:

Your rate of body heat production instantly drops by 50% or more.

Violent, incapacitating shivering may begin immediately.

You may slip into hypothermia in a matter of minutes.

6. Appoint a foul weather leader. Make the best-protected member of your partyresponsible for calling a halt before the least-protected member becomesexhausted or goes into violent shivering.

YOUR THIRD LINE OF DEFENSE: DETECT HYPOTHERMIA

If your party is exposed to wind, cold and wet, think hypothermia. Watchyourself and others for symptoms.

1. Uncontrollable fits of shivering.

2. Vague, slow, slurred speech.

3. Memory lapses; incoherence.4. Immobile; fumbling hands.

5. Frequent stumbling; lurching gait.6. Drowsiness (to sleep is to die).7. Apparent exhaustion; inability to get up after a rest.

YOUR FOURTH AND LAST LINE OF DEFENSE: TREATMENTThe victim may deny he is in trouble. Believe the symptoms, not the patient.

Even mild symptoms demand immediate, drastic treatment.

1. Get the victim out of the wind and rain.2. Strip off all wet clothes.

Give him warm drinks if he is fully conscious.

Get him into dry clothes and a warm sleeping bag. Well-wrapped, warm (not

hot) rocks or canteens will hasten recovery.3. If the patient is semiconscious or worse:

Try to keep him awake.

Leave him stripped. Put him in a sleeping bag with another person (alsostripped). If you have a double bag, put the victims between two warmth

donors. Skin to skin contact is the most effective treatment.

4. Build a fire to warm the camp.



RIVER RESCUE

One of the most important areas of any rafting program lies in the ability of the trip

leader and individual boatmen to perform effective rescues while on the river. This is

becoming even more important as the number of users on the rivers increase, which

elevates the level of liability our programs are subjected to. With proper training, agreater awareness of the river and rescue situations can be achieved resulting in a

decrease in risk to our patrons and our programs.

This course outline will help point out the components of an effective river rescue

program. Many key elements will be addressed in a progressive manner starting with the

most basic guidelines, and concluding with the most involved procedures. The followingareas will be covered.

Trip Preparation

OrganizationScouting

Leadership

Emergency Action

Self-RescueBoat Retrieval

Throw Bags

EntrapmentsVictim Stabilization

Boat Removal

Haul SystemsTelfer Lower

While some of these areas may seem very general, they each contribute to a complete

program. Failure to become familiar with each area could result in situations on the river

in which gear and lives be lost.I. Trip Preparation — This is one of the most important areas because by

looking at all the components, problems can be anticipated and usuallyavoided.

A. Gear — Always make sure you are using the proper gear and it is in

good condition. This is one of the areas you have almost completecontrol over, which offers security while on the river.

B. Physical Condition — Patrons many times will be lacking in this area.

But by staying physically fit, you can react fast and compensate in a

rescue situation.

C. River Information — Always keep track of the most current informationon the river you will be running. This includes maps and guidebooks

published on the area as well as current flows and reports from thelocal agencies that monitor the river.

D. Clothing — Make sure all patrons and boatmen are properly outfitted

with clothing and life jackets to ensure maximum safety and comfort.This will depend on weather, water temperature, and river difficulty.

E. Rescue Gear — In order to be prepared, each boatman should ideally

carry two prusiks, two carabiners (or have them in/on their raft), aknife, a whistle, and have a rescue bag close at hand. A larger supply

of gear is carried on the sweep boat to include the following:



i. Ropes — Two sections of 11 mm rope, 100 to 150 feet in

length, for use in major rescues.ii. Prusiks — Between six and eight 2 foot loops of 6, 7, or 8 mm

rope used in the Z-Drag components.

iii. Pulleys — Two or three pulleys used to assist in Z-Drag.

iv. Carabiners — Six locking-D carabiners and six oval carabinersall used as anchor point clips-ins or Z-Drag components.

v. Webbing — Six to eight sections of one-inch tubular webbing

used as anchor points and in a Telfer Lower construction.vi. Seat Harness

vii. Figure Eight

II. Organization — This is one area that many times gets out of control. As

the day progresses, people forget their order on the river and let their skills

soften because of fatigue or lack of interest. Boatmen should always be

aware of the possibility of accidents occurring at any time and shouldnever let the group become disorganized.

A. Establish a Lead and Sweep boats — by doing this you are guaranteed

to have experienced individuals at the two key places. Also, put your boats in order. This will ensure proper spacing as they go through

rapids, and allow for placement of experienced individuals throughout

the group.B. Know where equipment is — Everyone needs to know where the First

Aid kit and rescue gear are located. They also need to be familiar with

the gear.C. Know Put-In and Take-Out times — This allows individuals to predict

when a group should be arriving and plan for emergencies.

III. Scouting — Scouting is an important tool to use when the rapids are

unfamiliar to the group or when water levels have changed the nature ofthe run. Always use the knowledge of the trip leader to help direct other

boats through difficult areas.

IV. Leadership — The leader of any trip must act in a dual role. He plays not

only the part of guide for the patrons, but also the chief safety monitor for

the trip. The important thing here is that a leader for the trip beestablished, and that, that person is always in control.

V. Emergency Action — This area will outline a series of steps to be used in

the event a rescue situation should occur.

A. Assess Information — Look at the scene and all the components

involve. Be aware of not only the current problem, but also those,which may result from the situation at hand.

B. Communicate the Problem — Talk to the individuals who will beinvolved in the rescue and don’t forget to communicate to the victim

also.

C. Determine a Method of Rescue — Take the information, which has

been gathered, and determine the safest method possible.



D. Organize the Action — The leader should be the one to oversee theoperation. He should be able to give direction to the whole group and

not be tied down into any one area in particular.

VI. Self-Rescue — The self-rescue is the first step in saving yourself when you become separated from your boat.

A. Hang Onto Your Boat — If possible, hang onto the craft. This provides buoyancy and will aid others in retrieving you. Always remember to

stay on the upstream side of the boat, avoiding the possibility of

becoming pinned between the boat and an obstacle.

B. Position — If you are away from your craft, lie on your back with your

feet raised and pointing downstream. This allows you to see where you

are going and protect your head from obstacles.

C. Swimming — If you are heading for a hazardous area the first line of

defense is to swim aggressively to an eddy, or away from any danger.

D. Strainers — When approaching a strainer change your position to head

first and try to climb up and over the obstruction.

VII. Boat Retrieval — Boat retrieval is usually an involved process that will call

for different actions in different situations. This is why it is important to

stay with your boat whenever possible.

VIII. Throw Bags — These are the most useful tools in any rescue situation and

should always be accessible in each boat. Boatmen and patrons should all

be briefed on how to use them and be given an opportunity to practice

with them. Be sure the three techniques — underhand, side arm, andoverhand — are all practiced and used effectively. Also remember the bags

should never be tied to the individual who is throwing it. This could resultin pulling the rescuer into the hazard where the swimmer is.

IX. Entrapments — This is an area of particular concern because entrapmentsusually put a person into a situation where water will flow over him and

the craft. It is of great importance to stabilize these victims immediately.

A. Foot and Body Entrapments — These types of entrapments occur when

a foot or entire body becomes lodged in a constriction between twoobjects. The water will usually be forceful enough to push the person

down creating a hazardous situation. It is for this reason walking inmoving water, no matter how calm, should be discouraged.

B. Boat Entrapments — This is an area, which deals mainly with kayaksand their users. Anyone practicing in-river rescue techniques should

become familiar with the two types of entrapment — vertical pins and

broaches — and be able to deal with them in an effective manner.



X. Victim Stabilization — This is always the first concern in any situation.

The ability to ensure a victim is breathing is critical because in a matter ofminutes the victim’s life could be lost.

A. Tag Line —A tag line is used to raise a victim’s upper body above the

water level. A life jacket or other padding may help to give theindividual buoyancy and comfort.

B. Rope Ferry — The technique used to get the rope across the river willvary for different situations, depending on the width and flow of the

river. Rope ferrying needs to be practiced so a group acts together in a

quick effective manner.

C. Strong Swimmer Rescues — These four types of rescues all require a

rescuer to enter the area of hazard with little protection. They are very

quick to set up but should be looked at carefully by the group.

1. Direct Lower — If a point can be located directly upstream from the

accident sight, a rescuer can be lowered to the area.

2. Tethered Swimmer — A rescuer can ferry a rope across to anaccident site by swimming with the rope attached to his body.

Always use a quick release harness or a large loop to attach the

rope to the swimmer. This will allow for easy removal of thesystem in the event the swimmer becomes entangled.

3. Fixed Rope — This is a tight line at water level, which allows a

rescuer to travel hand over hand to the accident site. A Z-Drag isused to tighten the rope.

4. Zip Line — This is also a tight line at water level but it is placed at

an angle to the current. This allows the current to pull the rescuer

across the river and to the site of the accident.

XI. Boat Removal — This can be a very difficult area requiring a great amountof strength and a working knowledge of water flow.

A. Backup Line — Whenever removing any type of boat from any

situation, be sure to tie a backup line to it. This will prevent it fromfloating off if it should unexpectedly become free.

B. Armstrong Technique — This is the simplest technique requiring

individuals to work from within the boat or on the obstacle to free it.

C. I.A.P. — The ideal angle of pull is the direction of pull that will be most

effective in removing the pinned craft. This direction will usuallyhave to be found by experimenting with different angles.

D. Point of Attachment — Key points are located on boats for attaching ahaul rope. Try to use a D-ring or several D-rings to pull with.

Sometimes by attaching to a point below the surface of the water a

better I.A.P. can be achieved.



XII. Haul Systems — Haul systems allow for individuals and groups toeffectively generate enough force to pull a stuck craft from its position.

A. Ten Boy Scouts — This method simply implies having more people

pulling on a rope until the craft comes loose.

B. Z-Drag — When space and manpower is limited, a system can be

created that will allow several people to exert and incredible amount of pull on any given object. The system uses the rescue gear mentioned

previously and allows different mechanical advantages to be used

according to the amount of pull needed.

C. Vector Pull — After establishing an amount of force on a particular

object, another haul system can be used. By applying force to the haul

rope perpendicularly to the existing force, greater mechanicaladvantage and a more favorable I.A.P. may be achieved.

XIII. Telfer Lower — The Telfer Lower is the final system used in rescue

situations. It is difficult and time consuming to set up but may be requiredto perform a particular rescue. The system involves lowering an entire

boat down to the accident site so a working platform can be established in

which to work from. In order to accomplish this the entire group musthave a working knowledge of how the entire system works and also work

together effectively as a team.

While many of the systems mentioned here are self-explanatory, many are not.

Proper training along with practice is essential to the understanding of river rescue

and its different components.



RIVER INFORMATION

Snake River, Bliss SectionClass/Level Length Gradient Time

II+/High 6.5 Miles 8 FPM ½ Day

II/MediumII/Low

Put-in/Elevation Lower Salmon Falls Dam/2725FtTake-Out/Elevation Relish/2675Ft

Shuttle 5 Miles

Time/Distance/Points of ReferencePut-In Lower Salmon Dam

Put-In Malad

________ Surf Wave (POR) ________ Power Plant (POR)

________ Pillar

________ Big Eddy

________ Lefty Louie ________ S-Turn

________ Snake River Pottery

Take-Out RelishTake-Out Surprise

South Fork of the Boise River, “Canyon Run”Class/Level Length Gradient Time

III/600-1800 CFS 16 Miles 26 FPM 4 Hours

III-IV/<1800 CFS

Put-in/Elevation Danskin Bridge/3640 Ft

Take-Out/Elevation Neal Bridge/3200 Ft Shuttle 21 Miles

Time/Distance/Points of Reference

Put-In Danskin Bridge ________ Old Bridge Pilings (POR)

________ Canyon Beginning (POR)

________ Screaming Left

________ Dynamite

________ Nixon Rock (POR) ________ Devils Hole (Also known as Raspberry Rapid)

________ Fiddlers Flats ________ Chutes

________ Cave

Take-Out Neal Bridge



RIVER INFORMATION

South Fork of the Payette River, “Staircase Run”

Class/Level Length Gradient TimeIII/200-800CFS 5 Miles 32FPM 3 Hours

III-IV/800-1800CFS

IV/<1800CFS

Put-in/Elevation Deer Creek Turnout/2950Ft

Take-Out/Elevation Banks/2790Ft Shuttle 5 Miles


Put-In Deer Creek Turnout ________ Bronco Billy

________ Dogleg

________ Right n Tight

________ Surf Wave (POR) ________ Staircase

________ Slalom

Take-Out Confluence (@ Banks)

Main Payette RiverClass/Level Length Gradient Time

I-III/600-4000CFS 8 Miles 13FPM 3 Hours

III+/<4000CFS

Put-in/Elevation Banks/2970FtTake-Out/Elevation Beehive Bend/2700Ft Shuttle 8 Miles


Put-In Confluence (@ Banks)

________ White Water 101 ________ White Water 102

________ Bikini Beach (POR)

________ Two Dogs (Also known as GLOYF)

________ Hotel Rock (Also Bennett’s Rock)

________ Mike’s Hole ________ Chief Parish (Also Barking Dog)

________ Mixmaster ________ AMF

Take-Out Beehive Bend (Take Out for Low Water, >3000CFS)

________ Gardena Bridge (POR) ________ Toilet Bowel (POR)

________ Climax

Take-Out Horseshoe Bend (High Water Take-Out, add 1 Hour)



RIVER INFORMATION

North Fork of the Payette River, “Cabarton Section”

Class/Level Length Gradient Time

I-III/100-300CFS 10 miles 21FPM 4 HoursI-IV/<3000CFS

Put-in/Elevation Cabarton Bridge/4700FtTake-Out/Elevation Cougar lodge/4510Ft

Shuttle 11 Miles

Time/Distance/Points of ReferencePut-In Cabarton Bridge

________ Trestle

________ Wet Spot ________ Rainbow Bridge (POR)

________ Double Dip

________ Howards Plunge

Take-Out Cougar Lodge

CBA’S

C= See where you are, what is around you.

B= Be where you should be, where Russ wants you to be.

A= Attitude (Have the raft in proper position)



Absolutes

Never leave knots (k) in the retrieval end of the rescue rope.

Never tighten a locking carabineer (c) while it is under a load.

Do not panic (p): At least give the impression of a cool head toset an example for others.

Do not neglect the upstream side (u) of the rescue scene. Stop

others from entering the same hazard area. Before attempting a strong swimmer rescue (s), you must decide

if you are willing to face the risks, and are capable of dealing

with those risks.

Never dive headfirst (h) into any river.

Always perform a complete equipment check (e) beforedeparting on the river. This includes throwing your throw bag.

When performing a rescue operation, always ensure that you

have a foolproof downstream rescue (d) outlet

In a rescue situation, never become an additional victim (v). In a rescue situation, always wear your gear (g), life jacket and

helmet no matter what your role is.

Never stand (s) on the downstream side of the haul line.

(KC PUSHED VG’S)



LEADERSHIP ROLES

Leader: (Incident Commander) Controls Scene, Delegates positions, may not bethe most technically competent person at the scene. Sometimes during Medical

Emergencies, the Senior Medic may have to fill the role until someone else canrelieve him.

Rigger: (Logistics’ Guy) Ties, and Supervises Mechanical Advantages. Sets upand monitors Rescue & Delivery Systems.

Rescuer: (Actual Rescuer) This may be one person or a group of people.

Individuals may be hanging/pulling on ropes, managing a stokes litter, or brokeninto several smaller group.

Gofer: (Jack of All Trades) Assists with many roles. Keeps updates on all personal & equipment. Manages Communications, Liaison between all other

roles and the Leader.

Up Stream Safety: Person, or a group of people responsible for securing, andkeeping additional personal, or equipment from entering the hazard, or the

accident scene. Usually up stream from the incident, near a good eddy, where boaters can be notified in time to eddy out prior to entering the hazard or accident

scene. (Always have a Whistle and Rescue Bag as a minimum.)

Down Stream Safety: Person or group of people responsible for establishing aFool Proof Rescue Outlet, with a back up plan. (Always have a Whistle and

Rescue Bag as a minimum.)

(DU JAIL)



Notes

boatman manual

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