July Officer’s Safety Tips
Fleet Captain’s tips
Bob Price
Accidents do happen!
(And this comes from recent personal experience)

1.) Most accidents occur on the river bank.
Always take some extra time and be certain that the river bank is not slick or the access point is not too steep. When it is, rig a safety line to assist in the ascent or descent. Make sure when descending to the river that your lower foot hold will not trap your foot. It is better to have both feet slip and fall on your tail than to spend several months recuperating from a broken leg.

2.) Consider carpooling if you normally drive alone.
It ensures you have a way to get home if something should happen.
It also gives you a chance to meet other members and get to know them better.
In addition the trip goes faster when you have someone to talk with.

3.) Take a basic first aid course from the Red Cross
If possible, take an advanced course in Wilderness First Aid. You may be the one who has to assist someone else. Know and recognize the signs when someone is in distress. We tend to paddle in social groups, and we need to know how to keep each other safe on the river. The more members we can get trained in the basics of safety, the safer our trips will be.