Commodore's Corner
“The Safety Boating Mind Set”
Once you complete your first swiftwater rescue class, pull your first boat off a rock, or hit your first victim with a throw bag, your perspective on whitewater boating will change forever. Never again will you look at folks going down a river with out seeing things that may endanger them. You will see rivers not only for the cool rapids but for the hazards and staging locations for rescues at those hazards. Once you’ve done the dreaded strainer drill you will never willingly go near a real strainer. The lack of pfd’s, ropes dangling in the water, and people trying to stand in rapids will drive you nuts! Welcome to the safety boater’s world.
This mind set also affects the way we behave in the water and requires us to practice those skills and continue looking to develop new skills. A great example of this is how we swim in rivers. Traditionally we learned, actually beat into our heads, that we swim feet up in the traditional safe way. As rescuers we need to learn to swim aggressively in rivers, our purpose is not self preservation it’s to get somewhere.
We also drill! At times you must wonder “how many times can I do a foot entrapment drill”. In the military the purpose of drill is to make a skill set a “natural reaction”. Our goal is to be able to set these rescues up with out struggling to remember what to do. Drill can help eliminate confusion, disorganization, and arguments ultimately resulting in a quicker and more effective rescue.
Our choice to be rescue/safety boater will forever change how you see paddling. This choice also comes with the responsibility to keep you skill sets up to date. Others look upon us when it all hits the fan, we don’t want to let them down, and we are the safety boaters!
Bill Walters
Delaware River News
The River is safe from power lines for now. When asked by Steve Israel of the TIMES HEARLD RECORD. “How about the Delaware River corridor?” NYRI President Chris Thompson said “That's not a viable plan. Here's this pristine area where everyone goes hiking and camping. We're not going through there.” The company has removed the river from its application to the NYPSC (Public Service Commission). Thanks to the UDPC and many citizens group for staying informed and getting the word out to our politicians and to the people. We all still need to keep our eyes and ears open for the next big threat to the Upper Delaware region.
Coming soon: “ Bait and Switch”
submitted by D. Branch
Vice Commodore
CPR Recertification
Friday April 25
Each NCSP member must maintain certification in CPR & First Aid. Individuals often do so locally via Red Cross, First Aid Squads or other qualified sources.
This year we are offering an opportunity on training weekend to RE-certify your Adult/Child CPR skills - to stay current.
WHEN: Friday April 25, 2008 1-5 PM
WHERE: Home of Mary K & Dick Rhodes
125 Riverview Dr, Lackawaxen PA
COST: $20/person for recertification
INSTRUCTORS: June & Bill Snelling
REGISTRATION: Contact Dick Rhodes
570-685-1320
canoerrr@aol.com
Class size is limited to 12. Five are currently enrolled, so register early.
Please note this is a Re-Certification course only; if this would be your first training in the skill or if your certificate expired more than one year ago, you will need take a full certification course elsewhere.
2008 UNIS Trip
Space is still available on the safety/instructional team supporting the United Nations International School trip. Bill Walters is looking for qualified NCSP people to participate with the 2008 trip. This year's trip will be May 20, 21, and 22nd. If you're a veteran of this trip or a new person interested and want more details, please e-mail Bill at riverratbilly@yahoo.com.
