RESCUE RODEO

Overview

This is a highly-rated one-day course, taught on the Hiwassee River by TVCC’s very own Team Safety.  It is designed to give new and less-experienced paddlers some basic river rescue skills and make you a more confident boater!  We put this event on each year in the middle of paddling season just for you.  It works and it’s fun!

  • Course Contents: 
    • Hands-on CPR
    • What to Wear and When to Wear It
    • What to Carry With You and Why
    • Deep Water Boat Exit, Reentry, & Recovery
    • Properly Towing of a Swimmer (and how to be a swimmer getting towed!)
    • Proper Equipment Recovery Techniques
    • Properly Throwing/Catching a Rescue Rope
    • Proper Swift Water Wading Techniques
    • Boat Based Rescues
    • Proper Rafting-Up techniques, and …
    • YES –  Whitewater Swimming (you will swim Devil Shoals!)

All classes are taught in a “challenge by choice” style.

  • Details:
    • Basic plan is: land-based classes in the morning; Grab a quick lunch; Hit the river all afternoon!
    • Bring all your paddling gear or make your own arrangements to borrow what you need. Required gear: boat, paddle, PFD, helmet, spray skirt (kayaks only; not necessary for open boaters).
    • You will be assigned to an expert-led small group; Each group will paddle to different training stations on the river and practice the planned rescue skill(s) at each station 
    • At the end of the day there will be an awards ceremony, dinner, and lies will be swapped till it gets late!

See the EVENTS page for 2024 date.  Course is usually held in late July.

Registration will be announced and date determined –  Watch this page, TVCC Facebook page, and the Newsletter for announcements and updates.