HREC 247 Swift Water Rescue

This course is designed to give students basic paddle and swift water rescue skills. The course teaches recognition and avoidance of common river hazards, execution of self-rescue techniques, and rescue techniques for paddlers in distress. Emphasis is placed both on personal safety and on simple, commonly used skills. Techniques for dealing with hazards that carry greater risks for both victim and rescuer, such as strainers, rescue vest applications, entrapments, and pins are also practiced. Scenarios will provide an opportunity for participants to practice their skills both individually and within a team/group context. Students may earn an American Canoe Association Level 4 Swift Water certificate.

Credits

1 Credit

Semester Contact Hours Lab

30

HREC 247Swift Water Rescue

Please note: This is not a course syllabus. A course syllabus is unique to a particular section of a course by instructor. This curriculum guide provides general information about a course.

I. General Information

Department

Health Recreation and Fitness

II. Course Specification

Course Type

Program Requirement

Credit Hours Narrative

1 Credit

Semester Contact Hours Lab

30

Grading Method

Pass/fail

Repeatable

N

III. Catalog Course Description

This course is designed to give students basic paddle and swift water rescue skills. The course teaches recognition and avoidance of common river hazards, execution of self-rescue techniques, and rescue techniques for paddlers in distress. Emphasis is placed both on personal safety and on simple, commonly used skills. Techniques for dealing with hazards that carry greater risks for both victim and rescuer, such as strainers, rescue vest applications, entrapments, and pins are also practiced. Scenarios will provide an opportunity for participants to practice their skills both individually and within a team/group context. Students may earn an American Canoe Association Level 4 Swift Water certificate.

IV. Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this course, a student will be able to:

• Have practiced methods of ferrying ropes across the river
• Have practiced techniques for removing broached boats (rafts, kayaks and canoes) from obstructions
• Be able to identify common river hazards including strainers, obstructions, and hydraulics, and know the procedures in avoiding these hazards
• Be able to tie basic knots useful for river rescue
• Have an understanding of the direction and force of river current flow based on river morphology, river gradient, and obstacles such as boulders, ledges, and rock bars
• Have practiced and know proper throw rope techniques
• Have practiced and understand how best to swim in rapid water and execute river crossings
• Understand the principles of, and be able to set up, self-equalizing systems
• Understand the risks associated with cold water, the procedures to minimize and prevent cold water problems, and treatment of cold related injuries
• To gain an understanding of the various hazards associated with rivers and how individuals can be prepared to deal with river emergencies  
• To develop basic motor skills in river rescue

V. Topical Outline (Course Content)

Field Experience

VI. Delivery Methodologies

Required Exams

Exams for the ACA certification requirements

Specific Course Activity Assignment or Assessment Requirements

Exams for the ACA certification requirements