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    <title>General Whitewater Safety Discussion</title>
    <link>http://www.americanwhitewater.org//content/Forum/list/send/21/</link>
    <description><![CDATA[]]></description>
    <language>EN</language>
    <pubDate>Mon, 06 Feb 2012 14:19:13 -0500</pubDate>
    <lastBuildDate>Mon, 06 Feb 2012 14:19:13 -0500</lastBuildDate>
    <category>General Whitewater Safety Discussion</category>
    <generator>Phorum 5.1.23</generator>
    <ttl>600</ttl>
    <item>
      <title>Re: Whitewater incident, close calls,fatality</title>
      <link>http://www.americanwhitewater.org//content/Forum/read/send/21,26878,26880/#msg-26880</link>
      <author>pmartzen</author>
      <description><![CDATA[You best bet is to study the AW accident database and see what has actually happened in such situations.
http://www.americanwhitewater.org/content/Accident/view/
Enter your search terms in the boxes for; Initial Reports, Summary, Detailed Description, or Conclusions.  You should find lots of accidents to study for each type of hazard.
Deaths from low head dams and reversals are common.  Flush drownings occur when a swimmer cannot reach shore but is flushed on downstream.

There are several older forum threads about low head dams and reversals.
http://www.americanwhitewater.org//content/Forum/read/send/21,358/
http://www.americanwhitewater.org//content/Forum/read/send/21,26765/
http://www.americanwhitewater.org//content/Forum/read/send/21,7185/

Many low head dams appear to be inescapable without outside help.  There is a great need for empirical research to study this issue.   There are also the problems of getting permission from dam owners to conduct such research and in figuring out safe ways of doing such research.]]></description>
      <category>General Whitewater Safety Discussion</category>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.americanwhitewater.org//content/Forum/read/send/21,26878,26880/#msg-26880</guid>
      <pubDate>Mon, 06 Feb 2012 14:19:13 -0500</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Whitewater incident, close calls,fatality</title>
      <link>http://www.americanwhitewater.org//content/Forum/read/send/21,26878,26878/#msg-26878</link>
      <author>MSABET</author>
      <description><![CDATA[Hello

I am doing a research on whitewater incident, close calls or fatalities regarding situation where water forces wouldn't allow you to reach shore or sucks you back in to undercut, low head dam etc.

What options do you have (other than avoiding one)  if you get  stuck and what would be the best way to get out of such situations. 

Thanks]]></description>
      <category>General Whitewater Safety Discussion</category>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.americanwhitewater.org//content/Forum/read/send/21,26878,26878/#msg-26878</guid>
      <pubDate>Fri, 03 Feb 2012 14:15:08 -0500</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Re: Zero degree offset paddles to buy?</title>
      <link>http://www.americanwhitewater.org//content/Forum/read/send/21,26858,26860/#msg-26860</link>
      <author>jfetters</author>
      <description><![CDATA[Take a look at H20. They run a little over $300. Everyone I know that has one has had them for quite awhile]]></description>
      <category>General Whitewater Safety Discussion</category>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.americanwhitewater.org//content/Forum/read/send/21,26858,26860/#msg-26860</guid>
      <pubDate>Wed, 11 Jan 2012 21:18:16 -0500</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Zero degree offset paddles to buy?</title>
      <link>http://www.americanwhitewater.org//content/Forum/read/send/21,26858,26858/#msg-26858</link>
      <author>skangadang</author>
      <description><![CDATA[I learned how to paddle from the beginning with a zero degree offset, even for rec and sea stuff.  I'm having a bunch of trouble finding good paddles with zero degree offsets.  My question is, I would like to get a WW paddle, but I'm worried that the ones with adjustable offsets are not as strong or effective as the solid shaft paddles.  Also, I would like to avoid spending $400.  Any ideas?  Thanks in advance.]]></description>
      <category>General Whitewater Safety Discussion</category>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.americanwhitewater.org//content/Forum/read/send/21,26858,26858/#msg-26858</guid>
      <pubDate>Mon, 09 Jan 2012 20:57:56 -0500</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>I'm starting a blog about Family Rafting</title>
      <link>http://www.americanwhitewater.org//content/Forum/read/send/21,26853,26853/#msg-26853</link>
      <author>FamilyFloater</author>
      <description><![CDATA[Hi All, 

I'm a new member.  I'm starting a blog about family rafting and any ideas would be great.  I particularly want to have the safety part of my blog correct. 

Any input would be greatly appreciated!

http://billstrongdenver.blogspot.com/]]></description>
      <category>General Whitewater Safety Discussion</category>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.americanwhitewater.org//content/Forum/read/send/21,26853,26853/#msg-26853</guid>
      <pubDate>Sat, 17 Dec 2011 08:21:03 -0500</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Re: Low Head Dam information resources</title>
      <link>http://www.americanwhitewater.org//content/Forum/read/send/21,358,26850/#msg-26850</link>
      <author>pmartzen</author>
      <description><![CDATA[On another thread, Jallis wrote:

A new article entitled &quot;Hidden Dangers and Public safety at Low Head Dams&quot; has been published in the Journal of Dam Safety. The article is by Bruce Tschantz, Professor Emeritus at the University of Tennesse and Ken Wright, Chief Engineer at Wright Water Engineers in Colorado. The article explains the hydraulics and provides new statistics on fatalities at low head dams.  
http://www.damsafety.org/media/Documents/Journal/TschantzWright_PublicSftyLowDams_JDS2011_1.pdf]]></description>
      <category>General Whitewater Safety Discussion</category>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.americanwhitewater.org//content/Forum/read/send/21,358,26850/#msg-26850</guid>
      <pubDate>Wed, 14 Dec 2011 16:42:21 -0500</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Re: Accident report 3578: Moose Fest near drowning</title>
      <link>http://www.americanwhitewater.org//content/Forum/read/send/21,26827,26837/#msg-26837</link>
      <author>CatherineB</author>
      <description><![CDATA[My report as well as the victim's commentaries have been updated on AW accident report.

Catherine Blanchette]]></description>
      <category>General Whitewater Safety Discussion</category>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.americanwhitewater.org//content/Forum/read/send/21,26827,26837/#msg-26837</guid>
      <pubDate>Fri, 11 Nov 2011 19:21:56 -0500</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Re: Accident report 3578: Moose Fest near drowning</title>
      <link>http://www.americanwhitewater.org//content/Forum/read/send/21,26827,26831/#msg-26831</link>
      <author>CatherineB</author>
      <description><![CDATA[Hi Paul,

I'll add some more information to the accident report shortly. I'll write down every steps of the accident, from begining to the end. 

As a very short first answer, I've been paddling with only one hand... the best I could. I think that the very high water level oppened a new way on extreme right shore, where I've been able to bring both of us. There was way less current, so someone did jump in the water to catch the victim. Someone throw me a rope too, but the weight I had to hold on to was too heavy, so I've been unable to keep the rope. Also, is PDF and drysuit gave him a better floating which allowed me to hold him head out of water more easily. 

I heard about the other kayaker... I'm happy mine is still alive and so sorry for the other men.....

More infos available within next two weeks (time to write and update AW database).

Catherine]]></description>
      <category>General Whitewater Safety Discussion</category>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.americanwhitewater.org//content/Forum/read/send/21,26827,26831/#msg-26831</guid>
      <pubDate>Sun, 23 Oct 2011 23:51:42 -0400</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Re: Accident report 3578: Moose Fest near drowning</title>
      <link>http://www.americanwhitewater.org//content/Forum/read/send/21,26827,26830/#msg-26830</link>
      <author>pmartzen</author>
      <description><![CDATA[The accident report for this near drowning is in the AW accident database:
http://www.americanwhitewater.org/content/Accident/detail/accidentid/3578/

Do you have any observations to add Catherine?  How were you able to hold him/ move him and still paddle your kayak?

The report of a fatality on another section of the Moose the same weekend is also in the database:
http://www.americanwhitewater.org/content/Accident/detail/accidentid/3579/
This kayaker died of a broken neck during a bad swim.]]></description>
      <category>General Whitewater Safety Discussion</category>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.americanwhitewater.org//content/Forum/read/send/21,26827,26830/#msg-26830</guid>
      <pubDate>Fri, 21 Oct 2011 01:55:23 -0400</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Re: Accident report 3578: Moose Fest near drowning</title>
      <link>http://www.americanwhitewater.org//content/Forum/read/send/21,26827,26828/#msg-26828</link>
      <author>CatherineB</author>
      <description><![CDATA[Yes, the man is alive and in great shape! (which is somehow unbelievable...)

I am the kayakerâs who hold on to him from Powerline through Crystal, and I just want to say that most of us would have done the same in such situation. Just one thing though, I'm a women, not a men. No offence to the person who wrote the report, we all look the same on the river.

Yes, let's all learn from that!

Catherine
Montreal, Quebec]]></description>
      <category>General Whitewater Safety Discussion</category>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.americanwhitewater.org//content/Forum/read/send/21,26827,26828/#msg-26828</guid>
      <pubDate>Thu, 20 Oct 2011 10:11:28 -0400</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Accident report 3578: Moose Fest near drowning</title>
      <link>http://www.americanwhitewater.org//content/Forum/read/send/21,26827,26827/#msg-26827</link>
      <author>LaurenceOlivier</author>
      <description><![CDATA[Return on sathurday october 15th, 2011 near drown at Moose festival.

The french canadian man is well in shape.

No trauma, no injury, no secondary drowning. He is well in shape.

He learnt a lot and he is thankful to be alive.

Thank you to all individuals that contributed in any ways to that successful rescue!

Accurate event details are coming through shortly on one of the whitewater media.

Let's all learn from that!]]></description>
      <category>General Whitewater Safety Discussion</category>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.americanwhitewater.org//content/Forum/read/send/21,26827,26827/#msg-26827</guid>
      <pubDate>Thu, 20 Oct 2011 08:02:01 -0400</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Royal Gorge, Colorado rafting experience</title>
      <link>http://www.americanwhitewater.org//content/Forum/read/send/21,26826,26826/#msg-26826</link>
      <author>Valgal</author>
      <description><![CDATA[Interesting consumer take on a first-time whitewater trip in Colorado: http://tinyurl.com/3e5nd7m]]></description>
      <category>General Whitewater Safety Discussion</category>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.americanwhitewater.org//content/Forum/read/send/21,26826,26826/#msg-26826</guid>
      <pubDate>Tue, 18 Oct 2011 19:57:18 -0400</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Russell Fork Event Schedule</title>
      <link>http://www.americanwhitewater.org//content/Forum/read/send/21,26823,26823/#msg-26823</link>
      <author>olescallawag</author>
      <description><![CDATA[Here's a rundown of what's happening on the Fork/Elkhorn City in October. Please note the NEW Baddlun-lite event...


10/1-2 800cfs releases

10/8-9 800cfs releases
Russell Fork Baddlun--Ratliff Hole, noon, Saturday (13 mile bike, 8 mile paddle, 3 mile run, 20 yard swim)
Baddlun-Lite--Elkhorn Beach, 4pm, Saturday (1 mile bike, 1 mile paddle, 1 mile run)
Paddler Appreciation--Elkhorn Beach, 5pm, Saturday

10/14-16 900cfs releases (Friday release!!!)
USA Canoe/Kayak Wildwater Team Trials
Saturday--Downriver Race, Finish at Elkhorn Beach (4pm)
Sunday--Sprint Race, Ratliff Hole (noon)

10/22-23 1000cfs releases
Lord of the Fork race (Garden Hole, Saturday, 2pm)


November--Minimum 400cfs releases every day through the month.
Reason why,
10 year gate inspection/maintenance New

Every 10 years or so, the Corp will do inspections/maintenance on the gate system. That means they have to lower the reservoir much further than winter pool. For Flanagan, the extra drop is 20 feet, making it a 36 foot total drawdown from summer pool. The same thing is happening at Summersville.

They've calculated that that releasing 400 through the month will get them where they need to be to do the work in December.


Ratliff Hole is open for camping through October. Carson Island camping is iffy, but will be permitted the first weekend of October.
Free camping is also available on the riverbank in downtown Elkhorn City (includes porta-johns). Of course, camping is also available in the Breaks Interstate Park.

For more info, www.russellfork.info]]></description>
      <category>General Whitewater Safety Discussion</category>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.americanwhitewater.org//content/Forum/read/send/21,26823,26823/#msg-26823</guid>
      <pubDate>Mon, 26 Sep 2011 18:54:07 -0400</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Undergrad Thesis</title>
      <link>http://www.americanwhitewater.org//content/Forum/read/send/21,26822,26822/#msg-26822</link>
      <author>jacob2689</author>
      <description><![CDATA[Hi,  this is Jacob Henley.  I am writing an undergraduate thesis about emergency response plans in the rafting and kayaking industry.  I am trying to find out general safety protocol for the industries and what kind of requirements there are for the state or national government.  If anyone knows of any please send me a link at jacob2689@gmail.com.  

Thanks for the help,

Jacob Henley]]></description>
      <category>General Whitewater Safety Discussion</category>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.americanwhitewater.org//content/Forum/read/send/21,26822,26822/#msg-26822</guid>
      <pubDate>Thu, 22 Sep 2011 17:25:00 -0400</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Re: Escaping a large hydraulic?</title>
      <link>http://www.americanwhitewater.org//content/Forum/read/send/21,7185,26817/#msg-26817</link>
      <author>Corbae</author>
      <description><![CDATA[I dont think I know of a eddie drowning anyone on the grand at least not specifically but on a trip in on the grand I did this June, crazy high water, a passenger in my boat was re-circulated up and down for 4 or 5 minutes till he swam out of the bottom of the eddie somehow. Had to be terrifying. 

And swimming the ledge hole in lava wasn't as scary as I would have imagined, was over way to fast. One of our oars came out right as we hit the horizon line and we weren't on line to begin with. Saw it all coming, as a paddle assist.]]></description>
      <category>General Whitewater Safety Discussion</category>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.americanwhitewater.org//content/Forum/read/send/21,7185,26817/#msg-26817</guid>
      <pubDate>Fri, 09 Sep 2011 20:04:20 -0400</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Re: Escaping a large hydraulic?</title>
      <link>http://www.americanwhitewater.org//content/Forum/read/send/21,7185,26809/#msg-26809</link>
      <author>sandman2211</author>
      <description><![CDATA[Thanks for the tips, lots of good advice in here.  I've made 5 trips thru Cataract and the Grand since the initial post, and can say that hydraulics aren't really a concern there.  There's a few features that you'll want to avoid at all cost (Little Niagara, The Room in Bedrock, the Lava Ledge Hole) but they're well marked in guide books and easy to avoid if you take even a little precaution.  &quot;When in doubt, stop and scout!&quot;

Some guy drowned in Hance Rapid this summer the day before I ran it, but I haven't been able to find any information on how or why.  They ran the right side at high water which looked like a guaranteed flip to me but it should still have just flushed him on through.  Big waves, monster holes, and a violent eddy but no rocks or anything.  Maybe he hit his head on the frame or something?

The comment on eddies in the Grand being scarier than the holes - totally true.  I still don't think they can hold a person with the legally required PFD under long enough to drown them though.  Longest I've personally seen or heard about was 15 seconds.  That's an eternity when you're the one down there but still not deadly.  I read &quot;Over the Edge: Death in Grand Canyon&quot; written by a doctor that works at the clinic on the rim, and he researched every recorded death in Canyon history.  In cases of people that drowned while wearing their PFD (a very short list in itself), not a single one of them was from being held under by the current for too long.  I still have no experience with smaller rivers, but I think it's safe to say that big river hydraulics and small river hydraulics can be very different, and from what I hear the smaller ones are generally more dangerous.

As for the removing your lifejacket thing, if you aren't extremely experienced in whitewater then don't even think about it.  If you do have the experience, maybe you can make the call that this is a last-ditch effort and it's worth the risk.  If you have to ask &quot;Is this ever OK?&quot;, then the answer for you is definitely &quot;no&quot;.  Just like a seat belt - in the overwhelming majority of situations you'll find yourself in it's a no-brainer.  In some rare instances people die because they were wearing it, but those circumstances are difficult to quantify and impossible to predict, so just wear the damn thing!  :)]]></description>
      <category>General Whitewater Safety Discussion</category>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.americanwhitewater.org//content/Forum/read/send/21,7185,26809/#msg-26809</guid>
      <pubDate>Mon, 22 Aug 2011 12:42:26 -0400</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Re: Escaping a large hydraulic?</title>
      <link>http://www.americanwhitewater.org//content/Forum/read/send/21,7185,26806/#msg-26806</link>
      <author>rob</author>
      <description><![CDATA[Well, Corbae, obviously you read my whole reply (because the item you take issue with is way late in the reply), so you should have seen that taking off the PFD was clearly listed as a LAST RESORT. It is something which a good many people have offered up for years as a viable option WHEN ALL ELSE HAS FAILED. When all else has failed, it is preferable to try SOMETHING else, rather than staying in the hole until you &quot;flush-drown&quot;. And you call me irresponsible for suggesting that if it is shallow enough to find bottom, that one should consider walking out? Again, is it better to just recirc until you drown? On shallow rivers, a short ledge can still create a 'keeper hydraulic'. While in your boat, you may not be able to get past the backwash. However, the water may be so aerated that there is really very little turbulence acting on you within the hydraulic once you are out of the boat. (Out of the hole there may be strong flow which would whisk you downstream, but not in the hole!)

Again, each situation is different. The absolutely perfect solution in one case may be the completely most wrong option in some other case. I am just presenting things which HAVE worked in certain situations. The more options one is familiar with, the more likely they can find one which may work in any specific situation.

The one thing that is absolutely sure is that there are very few 'absolutes'. Yes, the vast vast vast majority of the time, it is absolutely best to keep your PFD on, fastened securely. But there can be times it may be best to remove it. If it gets snagged on something and you are held under by it, you might want/need to remove it. If it is keeping you in a hole, keeping you from being able to dive deep to flush out, you might want/need to remove it. (Frankly, I doubt one has enough time to try EVERYTHING else and still have breath to remove it and be able to swim out, so I have always doubted the likelihood of ever using this option.)

The best option is always to NOT get into that circumstance in the first place. Know what you are boating, what the flows are, where the hazards are, etc., and this 'should' never happen. But . . .]]></description>
      <category>General Whitewater Safety Discussion</category>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.americanwhitewater.org//content/Forum/read/send/21,7185,26806/#msg-26806</guid>
      <pubDate>Thu, 28 Jul 2011 15:53:41 -0400</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Re: Escaping a large hydraulic?</title>
      <link>http://www.americanwhitewater.org//content/Forum/read/send/21,7185,26805/#msg-26805</link>
      <author>Corbae</author>
      <description><![CDATA[@rob I am not sure it is really all that responsible to be telling what seems to be a novice paddler without swiftwater training to take thier life jacket off or stand up and walk out of a hole. Obviously you have been in many different situations and have the experience to make those decisions. I am new here so take my comments or leave them. 

As for big massive holes in cataract and the grand, yes they can keep you though normally spit a swimmer out quite quickly. I have been out of the boat in the big hole in lava and just wrapped my arms around my knees and got spat out. Take a swiftwater course or at least read over the course material would probably be the best advice. I am more afraid of swimming into some of the eddies on the Grand then I am about the holes.]]></description>
      <category>General Whitewater Safety Discussion</category>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.americanwhitewater.org//content/Forum/read/send/21,7185,26805/#msg-26805</guid>
      <pubDate>Wed, 27 Jul 2011 15:37:21 -0400</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Re: Low Head Dam Safety</title>
      <link>http://www.americanwhitewater.org//content/Forum/read/send/21,26765,26804/#msg-26804</link>
      <author>pmartzen</author>
      <description><![CDATA[Thank you for commenting on this [url=http://www.appeal-democrat.com/articles/water-107722-yuba-river.html]drowning on the Yuba river[/url].   A [url=http://www.appeal-democrat.com/news/river-107891-dam-flows.html]follow up article[/url] discusses the dangers and sentiments to remove the dam.

I have created an AW river page for this section with flow information, warnings about the dam and some other links.  http://www.americanwhitewater.org/content/River/detail/id/10543/

I think anything that can give people better warning to stay away, should be considered.  In the long run, the dam can be removed or cheaply altered to eliminate the recirculation at the base.   There are a number of examples across the country where dams are altered to eliminate death trap danger.   With a properly designed downstream face, boaters who get swept over the dam, may have a bad experience, but they will be flushed downstream away from the dam before they drown.  

Booms are commonly placed above dams on reservoirs where there is minimal current.   Even then, driftwood and debris can build up against the booms at times.   You don't see them on rivers so much, especially where there are high flows.    The speed of the current by itself will put tremendous pressure on the booms, especially if they have to be long, over 600 feet in the case of the Daguerre Point Dam.   High flows typically bring bigger debris, driftwood and even trees downriver.   Once a tree snags on the boom cable at high flows, the booms will get ripped out.  

A boom across the river can pose a hazard of its own.  On a reservoir, you can motor up to a boom, hang out, then motor away.   On a river, you can not afford to get close to the boom, but must take out a safe distance upstream.  At least the boom would be visible.   If a boater approaches a boom with high flows, the speed of the current will push them into and then under the boom.   Then they are upside down or swimming below the boom and headed for the dam.  

On some rivers, agencies have strung cable overhead across the river with warning signs hanging down.   The cables have to be high enough in the air that nothing can snag on them.]]></description>
      <category>General Whitewater Safety Discussion</category>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.americanwhitewater.org//content/Forum/read/send/21,26765,26804/#msg-26804</guid>
      <pubDate>Thu, 07 Jul 2011 17:14:11 -0400</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Re: Low Head Dam Safety</title>
      <link>http://www.americanwhitewater.org//content/Forum/read/send/21,26765,26802/#msg-26802</link>
      <author>wagonerjc</author>
      <description><![CDATA[Considering the  history  of drownings  at the  Daguerre Point Dam on the  Yuba River,  why is there not at floating boom strung across the river immediately  upstream from the dam ?? To not have   such a safety measure  seems to be gross  negligence on  the part of  the dam operators.   Its incredible, with all  the  discussion of the recent drownings,  no one   mentions  the   lack of  this basic  safety  feature.
	If you search dam drownings,  or  low head dam drownings,   you find  people are   being swept over to  tops of such dams and drown,  all over the country. There was a similar drowning in Pennsylvania   three  days  earlier. Again,   a low head dam  operated without  a floating boom,  and  everyone arguing  about   how stupid the  rafter    was, or  about how awful the drowning was and  yes we should pray for the family.  
     The people  swept over this dam   lived within  ten miles of it.  They did not  deliberately  go over the dam.  Of the people I have spoken to in the Marysville  area,   none of them  seem to think  a  boom  would be feasible.   The local reporter   wrote a second article about this and failed to mention  that lack of a boom across the river, even  when she  knew about   the situation  (  I had  phoned her ).   My conclusion:  Live is  cheap in Marysville   California]]></description>
      <category>General Whitewater Safety Discussion</category>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.americanwhitewater.org//content/Forum/read/send/21,26765,26802/#msg-26802</guid>
      <pubDate>Sat, 02 Jul 2011 21:39:05 -0400</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Re: Low Head Dam Safety</title>
      <link>http://www.americanwhitewater.org//content/Forum/read/send/21,26765,26771/#msg-26771</link>
      <author>pmartzen</author>
      <description><![CDATA[Thanks for posting this new article.  

Fatalities and close calls are probably very under reported.  I know there have been fatalities in California, but this article reports none.  

It is interesting that warning of the problems is considered sufficient alleviation in some states.  Other states don't care at all.    We have to build public sentiment to eliminate fatal reversals at low head dam rather than just warning about them.]]></description>
      <category>General Whitewater Safety Discussion</category>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.americanwhitewater.org//content/Forum/read/send/21,26765,26771/#msg-26771</guid>
      <pubDate>Fri, 06 May 2011 01:09:43 -0400</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Low Head Dam Safety</title>
      <link>http://www.americanwhitewater.org//content/Forum/read/send/21,26765,26765/#msg-26765</link>
      <author>jallis</author>
      <description><![CDATA[A new article entitled &quot;Hidden Dangers and Public safety at Low Head Dams&quot; has been published in the Journal of Dam Safety.  The article is by Bruce Tschantz, Professor Emeritus at the University of Tennesse and Ken Wright, Chief Engineer at Wright Water Engineers in Colorado.  The article explains the hydraulics and provides new statistics on fatalities at low head dams.
[url=http://www.damsafety.org/media/Documents/Journal/TschantzWright_PublicSftyLowDams_JDS2011_1.pdf]Link to the article at the Association of State Dam safety Officials website[/url]]]></description>
      <category>General Whitewater Safety Discussion</category>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.americanwhitewater.org//content/Forum/read/send/21,26765,26765/#msg-26765</guid>
      <pubDate>Tue, 03 May 2011 11:25:11 -0400</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Re: Minimum safety gear</title>
      <link>http://www.americanwhitewater.org//content/Forum/read/send/21,472,26757/#msg-26757</link>
      <author>turtle</author>
      <description><![CDATA[Gents, New to all this. I have some experience in an open canoe in white water, a looong time ago. Looking to get back into it. I will seek an instructor and start from scratch. Down the road, WEMT/WALS, SRT.

Here's what I got so far. I'd appreciate your thoughts/input

(1) 150'x 1/2&quot; PMI  NFPA  E-Z Bend

(2-4) Prussics

(2) 8-10' 1&quot; flat webbing

(2) 70' throw bags (1 on vest with Reach)

(4) locking carabiners

(4) 2&quot; pullies

(1) saw that takes recip saw blades that cut aluminium, plastic and fiberglass boats

(1) duck tape

(1) LED head lamp with spare batteries 

(1) cheat sheet

Cheat sheet, whistle, window punch, primary/spare knives, head lamp/spare batt., and light sticks in/on vest.

It all, save for the throw bags, fits in a pull string bag in the rope bag. Hardly minimalist, but it's not heavy, and dosen't take up much space.

Ditch /Survival /Contingency kit on me always. Adaquet first aid kit , yes.

Thoughts? Thanks in advance. 

Regards, Jim

Edited for cogency]]></description>
      <category>General Whitewater Safety Discussion</category>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.americanwhitewater.org//content/Forum/read/send/21,472,26757/#msg-26757</guid>
      <pubDate>Sun, 10 Apr 2011 11:41:20 -0400</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Re: Boulder G'zone is not water resistant, what is?</title>
      <link>http://www.americanwhitewater.org//content/Forum/read/send/21,16461,26754/#msg-26754</link>
      <author>docriverside</author>
      <description><![CDATA[nothing is fool proof, but you can insure your phone and it is covered, even if the failure was your fault (excluding, i'm sure, willful abuse; like beating it with a hammer).
Check out Assuron available through Verizon when you get a new phone.]]></description>
      <category>General Whitewater Safety Discussion</category>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.americanwhitewater.org//content/Forum/read/send/21,16461,26754/#msg-26754</guid>
      <pubDate>Wed, 30 Mar 2011 15:05:20 -0400</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Re: Escaping a large hydraulic?</title>
      <link>http://www.americanwhitewater.org//content/Forum/read/send/21,7185,26750/#msg-26750</link>
      <author>rjfarmer</author>
      <description><![CDATA[In response to Rob Smage's post above/below, yes, I have popped my skirt on several occasions to escape a sticky hole: once in a stupid little hole on Tohickon Creek that I naively jumped into for laughs and instantly regretted, once on the Upper Yough in that big hole a few hundred feet past Lost and Found, once in a sticky hole in the runout below El Horrendo on the Russell Fork (which really saved my butt, you bet!), and several other times, I'm sure, that I can't remember off the top of my head. It is an extremely useful technique--- it is such a useful technique that I don't think that anyone can claim to be an expert boater if he/she has never used, or at least practiced, it. Know it and know it well!!!

Also, here's a mistake that most people make: If you decide to swim, hold onto your boat! It floats better than you do, and it can allow you to breathe (to catch your breath) before doing something more drastic, if necessary. Plus, having your boat as a float pillow while your legs hang down deep into the subsurface current will often flush you out. Also, it's one less piece of gear to have to chase. I, fortunately, have never had to try to crawl out of a hole along the riverbed, another mentioned technique, because these other techniques have always precluded such a distasteful possibility. I once held onto my boat in a pourover for about 15 minutes before managing to swim out; my boat then surfed the hole for about 3 hours before the water dropped enough to kick it out. Brrrf!!! No joke, it doesn't get much worse than that! I'd be dead for sure if I hadn't held onto my boat. Ciao! ---RF]]></description>
      <category>General Whitewater Safety Discussion</category>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.americanwhitewater.org//content/Forum/read/send/21,7185,26750/#msg-26750</guid>
      <pubDate>Mon, 21 Mar 2011 16:38:59 -0400</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Re: Rescuing an unconscious swimmer</title>
      <link>http://www.americanwhitewater.org//content/Forum/read/send/21,1345,24606/#msg-24606</link>
      <author>pmartzen</author>
      <description><![CDATA[The link below is to a long forum discussion about a close call at the 2010 Gore Canyon race.   The discussion is mostly very informative and constructive.
  
http://www.mountainbuzz.com/forums/f11/gore-race-accident-report-33084.html

A paddler from a shredder raft, swam some major rapids, Gore, Scissors, and Pyrite. He was somehow overlooked or missed by shore based throw ropes and safety kayakers.   One of the racers resting in an eddy, saw the swimmer, gave chase, then somehow got the unconscious swimmer to shore in a pool between rapids.  

There are a number of fascinating sub discussions, such as:
The protocols of clearing c-spine injuries,  
Tether towing swimmers yet still keeping they faces up out of the water.  #58
cpr masks]]></description>
      <category>General Whitewater Safety Discussion</category>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.americanwhitewater.org//content/Forum/read/send/21,1345,24606/#msg-24606</guid>
      <pubDate>Sun, 26 Sep 2010 00:54:42 -0400</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Re: How old is too old for gear?</title>
      <link>http://www.americanwhitewater.org//content/Forum/read/send/21,21442,21679/#msg-21679</link>
      <author>bywilly</author>
      <description><![CDATA[Thanks for the input.  I retired the gear.]]></description>
      <category>General Whitewater Safety Discussion</category>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.americanwhitewater.org//content/Forum/read/send/21,21442,21679/#msg-21679</guid>
      <pubDate>Mon, 14 Jun 2010 16:29:34 -0400</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Re: How old is too old for gear?</title>
      <link>http://www.americanwhitewater.org//content/Forum/read/send/21,21442,21526/#msg-21526</link>
      <author>rob</author>
      <description><![CDATA[My best 'answer' would be to cite other sources which can be found by doing an online search.

http://pmi.ensocms.com/news/blog3-9-10/
http://www.trails.com/how_39301_retire-rock-climbing-rope.html
While the above articles deal specifically with rock-climbing ropes, most of the principles apply just as well to whitewater throw bags.

http://www.mountainbuzz.com/forums/f11/how-often-do-you-replace-your-pfd-4583.html
The above 'thread' offers a good assortment of opinions and 'tests'.]]></description>
      <category>General Whitewater Safety Discussion</category>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.americanwhitewater.org//content/Forum/read/send/21,21442,21526/#msg-21526</guid>
      <pubDate>Wed, 09 Jun 2010 10:05:04 -0400</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>How old is too old for gear?</title>
      <link>http://www.americanwhitewater.org//content/Forum/read/send/21,21442,21442/#msg-21442</link>
      <author>bywilly</author>
      <description><![CDATA[How old is too old for gear?  When does a pdf loose its safety value?  How long before the materials breakdown from use and exposure?  What about throw ropes?]]></description>
      <category>General Whitewater Safety Discussion</category>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.americanwhitewater.org//content/Forum/read/send/21,21442,21442/#msg-21442</guid>
      <pubDate>Mon, 07 Jun 2010 18:41:18 -0400</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Re: Quick Release Belt Question</title>
      <link>http://www.americanwhitewater.org//content/Forum/read/send/21,7339,21242/#msg-21242</link>
      <author>harveyking</author>
      <description><![CDATA[Reading the posts, it is obvious just how many opinions there are on this subject. There is more than one way to skin a cat, or to drown. Just like the plethora of swiftwater technicians and instructors out there, I too teach swiftwater rescue and include the use of rescue vests. So naturally I would like to add a few points to the discussion. 
1) the metal plate is not there to keep the plastic buckle from breaking, the loads it would take to break the plastic would be punishing enough to make you want to &quot;blow out&quot; long before the plastic failed. 
2) remember that an 18 hour course is just that... minimal and not enough time to really train with advanced techniques such as live bait and v-lowers. 
3) This is a KEY point and should be experimented with in a safe and controlled environment: If you need or want to blow out, YOU BETTER BE ABLE TO. It is better to have the system fail than to die, or be severely compromised. The quick release used alone can fail for various reasons, most often from not being securely closed and/ or brushing against it with your hand or the body of a victim you've come into contact with. If you thread the belt through both slots on the metal plate (from left to right, NEVER NEVER NEVER EVER double back by threading right to left), there is simply too much friction to blow out quickly and effectively. If you had too preform some crazy rescue where you would die if you blew out (really not a good idea... you are actually a mortal), then go through both slots on the metal plate and be prepared to possibly be badly damaged. 
The best, safest and surest way I have used the belt out of dozens of practice sessions and rescue courses is to thread only through the first slot on the metal plate, this keeps the webbing from pulling too hard on the plastic quick release buckle (which has been demonstrated to fail by opening on its own under heavy current loads), it provides friction enough to at least slow down an unintended release while at the same time releasing fairly quickly when you want to get out of the system. 
These jackets are worn by everyone and their grandmother lately, it's a real craze to be seen as a prepared yahoo. BE VERY CAREFUL if employing the belt, it takes a trained and effective team to manage the system and possible loads associated with it. 
A swiftwater rescue class is a great idea, BUT it doesn't mean you are competent or ready to use such techniques. You've merely been introduced to them. Don't let heuristic decision making be your mistake (if you don't know what that means, look it up and take another swiftwater class in which the instructors understand what it is).

As the late great Jim Segestrom says, &quot;train like you fight and fight like you train.
Experience is something we get ten minutes after we need it.&quot; 

 HARV]]></description>
      <category>General Whitewater Safety Discussion</category>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.americanwhitewater.org//content/Forum/read/send/21,7339,21242/#msg-21242</guid>
      <pubDate>Thu, 27 May 2010 11:51:54 -0400</pubDate>
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