Incidents tend to happen when we've missed a clue in the weather or the environment we're paddling in, and we're stretching our bubble of experience and ability, not when we're in the safety of a sheltered harbour.  We all need to know that we can still work together to make the best decision/s and ensure that any situations are managed and don’t spiral out of control.

We will consider and work with:  Being proactive and how to reduce the likely-hood of an incident, decision making -benefit/risk, considering time/resources and working under pressure. Explore a few theories and acronyms, such as CLAP: Communication, Line of Sight, Avoid/Awareness, Position of max usefulness. Plus:

• Weather forecast - wind against tide, springs/neaps, swell against the tide, wave period and choose the best location for us to work and play in
• Proactive Incident Management: principles for organising rescues - self, team and casualty/swimmer.
• Assisted Rescues: core foundations; proactive problem-solving, adapting and considering to be in or out of the system
• Towing Skills: equipment options; releasable tows; contact tows; multiple tows.
• Self-Rescues: re-entry & roll; back deck; paddle float, with variations

Further skills may include:

• Launching & Landing: safe strategies; options in challenging conditions.
• Rocky Shores: safe rock-hopping; anchored rescues and team rescues.
• Rough Water & Tide Races: rough water rescues and use of towlines.
• Effective situational Leadership, theories and action.

Working with a buddy and/or a team, you will have the opportunity to put theory into practice, explore what works for you +/-, increase your tool kit, and develop a greater awareness through managing the Task, Team and Individual.

This is the perfect course for clubs, peer groups and friends who paddle together, and you want to refresh and develop further incident prevention and management skills.

'Deal with the small before it becomes large' - La Tzu