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Training for Whitewater Rafters

Class III Safety & Rescue

Learn from Professionals in Our

Class III Safety & Rescue Training

  • Length: 3 days
  • Minimum Age: 16
  • Location: Hood River or Clackmas River (Oregon)
  • Prerequisite: Class III rafting experience and swimming ability
  • Course Price: $445

Fun, Relevant & Approachable
★★★★★
“ The class was fun, relevant and approachable. Great place to learn new skills or hone older ones. Fun way to improve the safety of our sport.”
- Sako Hisamoto

This safety and rescue course is designed specifically for whitewater rafters and intended as a follow up to our Class III Rowing School. Attending our Class III Rowing School is not a requirement for taking this course but you should have experience rafting Class III rapids before enrolling.

This is also a great course for professional river guides looking for more safety education and rescue training.

River Safety

We will focus on safety and accident prevention. An emphasis will be on discussing good flotilla management to provide a safety net. This portion includes:

  • Risk management
  • Pre-trip decision making
  • Pre-trip safety talks
  • On river communication
  • Proper dress (PPE)
  • Boat order
  • Boat spacing
  • Whitewater swimming
  • Setting safety
Throw Bag Rescue
Throw bag practice

River Rescue & Equipment Retrieval

In this part of the course we’ll discuss techniques for rescue after an accident happens. This portion will be divided into two parts: rescue and equipment retrieval and includes:

  • Rescue philosophy for whitewater paddlers
  • Proper priorities
  • Rescuing swimmers with boats
  • Use of throw bags
  • Knots
  • Land and boat anchors
  • Mechanical advantage pulling systems
  • Techniques for flipping rafts
  • Foot entrapments
  • Big picture scene safety
Raft flipping
Raft flipping practice

We are licensed by the Oregon State Marine Board and operate under special use permit with the Columbia Gorge National Scenic Area and Mt. Hood National Forest. Additionally, we are an equal opportunity provider and employer.

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Trip Highlights

  • Swimming whitewater rapids
  • Throw bag training and practice
  • Swimmer rescue
  • Flotilla management for safety
  • Mechanical advantage training

Quick Facts

  • Courses are located in Hood River, Oregon
  • Instructors are experienced guides, private boaters, and educators
  • Intended as a follow up to our Class III Rowing School

Trip Reviews

rescue Overall rating: ★★★★★ 5 based on 4 reviews.
5 1

Fun, Relevant & Approachable
★★★★★
“ The class was fun, relevant and approachable. Great place to learn new skills or hone older ones. Fun way to improve the safety of our sport.”
- Sako Hisamoto

Would Recommend
★★★★★
“ I took the course as a frequent raft passenger (versus rower/raft owner) and all the material was applicable. I feel more confident going on the water, and am excited to contribute new safety/rescue skills and gear tips to the group. Instructors were super knowledgeable and kept it fun. Would recommend!”
- Izzy Cannell

Super Valuable
★★★★★
“ So glad you’ve added the Class III Safety Course! This was just the right course for my skill level. I learned new skills in the classroom that I’ll be able to apply to planning and decision-making on my personal trips. And swimming and boating the Hood River (my home river!) for the first time was a challenge I felt supported to meet. Thank you Northwest Rafting, this course was super valuable!”
- Sarah Kellems

Off The Charts Awesome!
★★★★★
“ Fifteen out of five stars on Yelp - in other words - off the charts awesome! I highly recommend NWRC's Class III Safety and Rescue Course for private boaters of all skill levels.”
- Chuck Brushwood

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