WHITE WATER RIVER RESCUE COURSE - report by 1st Dunrobin advisor, Ray Renton

with many additional photos by 1st Wakefield advisor, Stephen Smye

Venturers and Leaders overcame the cold waters of the Petawawa River on October 13 and 14 to obtain new swift water and boat rescue skills. Wet and dry suits with booties helped a great deal, however hyperthermia was a constant concern.
Rescue throw bag practice provided some comic relief. Some participants initially concentrated too hard on throwing the lines accurately to victims floating down the river, but neglected to secure the shore end of the line, thus throwing the entire line.
Participants endured the cold weather and waters to experience traversing the rapids with different techniques to rescue victims and/or to release pinned canoes or kayaks. One should never have to leave fellow paddlers stranded or leave equipment behind and this course taught us lots of techniques!

The excellent direction and motivation of the Bear Creek instructors resulted in several Venturers successfully completing the ORCA certified course.