BCAB Introduction to White Water Safety

Overview

This is an immersive days course where you’ll learn how to stay safe paddling in a grade 2/3 environment. Whether you are paddling with friends or with your club, this practical course is packed with safe practical solutions to keep you safe whilst out on the river. This course is about being a useful team member on the river, with a focus on safety rather than rescue. 

It doesn’t matter whether you’re relatively new to paddling in white water, this course will raise your awareness of your personal safety in a white water environment. 

Experience Required

It doesn’t matter whether you’re relatively new to paddling in white water, this course supports your knowledge and raises your awareness of your personal safety on moderate water. You need to feel comfortable swimming in and around grade 2 water and be able to independently paddle your craft.

Objectives

• Learn how to prevent situations from arising on white water and how to keep yourself safe if a situation occurs.
• Learn how to plan a trip and understand the considerations and decisions we make to prevent situations from happening.
• Learn about the white water environment and how to safely swim in moving water and how we can help others if they swim.
• Learn how to safely retrieve kit when things get stuck in the river.

What to Expect

An immersive day filled with clear and practical solutions to issues that arise on moderate water.

Experience Required

You need to feel comfortable swimming in and around grade 2 water and be able to independently paddle your craft.

How To Prepare?

To get the most out of your course, it is recommended that you hold an appropriate personal performance award.

Familiarise yourself with the British Canoeing course content here

Note: Our instructors will assess any safety equipment you bring with you. If they consider it to be below the required standard, you will be asked to use equipment provided free of charge by Plas y Brenin.