This is a formal ACA (American Canoe Association) ICW Class.  As such, we have a very limited amount of time to convey a great deal of information.  To make this class successful, we need to stick to the following ground rules:

  • Classes will start at 9:00 AM sharp, try to arrive by 8:30 AM as parking is tight at Lock 5
  • We will try to wrap up classes between 5:00 PM and 6:00 PM
  • Proper boating gear and clothing are essential.  All participants should bring their own throw rope and have proper flotation in their boats.
  • Pay special attention to your footware, no loose sandals!  Rescues often involve wading in current with challenging bottom surfaces
  • If you have questions, please ask them
  • Do only what you are comfortable with
  • Try to set aside time for reading these documents, at least ones that interest you.

ICW classes are spread out over two full weekends.  Instructor Candidates are expected to know the material for the most part and be proficient in performing all rescue skills.  In general, you should have taken the skills course before taking this class or have comparable experience.  We plan to go beyond this basic understanding.  You will learn various techniques for sharing your knowledge to new students.  You will also learn how to set-up scenarios and basic skill evolutions.  Excellent communication and organization skills are crucial to being a sucessful instructor.

As is often the case with any class, some students may need additional coaching on a few skills.  Where feasible, we will allot extra time to ensure you are fully able to teach any topic in the curriculum with confidence.  40 hours isn't much time though.  To be sucessful, you will need to prepare ahead of time for this class.  All homework assignments have specific and important objectives and are mandatory to complete.  All instructors need strong self-evaluation skills.  If you need brushing up on any specific skill, just let me know.  After the first weekend, practice any skills you fing challenging so you are prepared for the ICE (Instructor Certification Exam).

Instructors

I am both an ACA certified Level 4 instructor for River Kayaking and SWR (Swift Water Rescue) Instructor Trainer.  I have written numerous articles on this sport for several kayak clubs and have assembled extensive web-based training resources for a variety of ACA classes.  I am also on the ACA SWR committee.  I started paddling in May, 1979 and have enjoyed this great sport since.

Assistants

As a club instructor, I normally recruit a wide variety of skilled assistants.  I almost always have a doctor, nurse, or EMT.  I also have skilled rock climbers, SWR experts, and very skilled boaters.  My friends help keep me honest and can provide additional insight on certain topics.  In this class, all of you will be my assistants.  Everyone will get extensive practice in teaching various topics.  Please speak up to demonstrate a critical eye for important information gaps or to provide clarification.

Conclusion

This IDW/ICE Class is simply a starting point.  Keep in touch with your fellow classmates and instructors.  Offer to teach classes for your local canoe club or Team River Runner - they can always use the help.  Get out an paddle a wide variety of rivers, not just the Potomac.  Keep your medical certifications current like CPR and First Aid.

This packet of articles and links to further resources covers all of the ACA SWR Instructor Certification Class subjects.  SWR instructor candidates should browse the various topics to ensure they are current with ACA terminology and practices.  Becoming a ACA certified SWR instructor definitely takes some effort.  The ACA SWR program is in my opinion the most advanced one.  The standard 2-day class (Level 4) has an incredible amount of material, so much that many instructors feel it is too much to teach in one weekend.  Having taught various paddlesports classes, I find SWR the most enjoyable.  First off, typical students are already experienced paddlers (Kayak, Canoe, Raft, SUP, etc.).  The SWR program combines safety and rescue.  Many students have mentioned that this class does a great job in keeping them out of harms way when paddling.  Many students retake this class as well to ensure their rescue skills stay very current.

ACA SWR instructors are carefully vetted.  Their goal is to recruit/develop individuals with excellent communication skills and an interest in maintaining and improving safety and rescue knowledge.  The ACA provides different skill levels so most persons in our sport can enjoy teaching.  A great way to prepare for the Instructor Certification Workshop is practicing teaching with an ACA certified instructor.  Take time to practice your knots, throw bag skills, and swimming in fast turbulent water (actually a really fun activity).  Gain some familiarity with the ACA website and ensure your membership is current.  I would also paddle a large variety of rivers to develop strong boat/shore scouting skills.  Pretend you are paddling with a wide variety of boaters that includes novices.  Look both for fun and challenging lines as well as safe sneak routes.  Lead some club trips to gain practice with trip leading skills.  I also highly recommend reviewing the AW Accident Database periodically.  This resource can help you learn from others and perhaps give you interesting ideas for new practice scenarios.  When you are ready to share your knowledge with others, take this great course.

Demonstrate knowledge of ACA Policies & Procedures

ACA Safety & Rescue Classes

Demonstrate knowledge of teaching and learning theory

Demonstrate the following skills

Class Management

Introduction & Logistics

ACA Overview

How we evaluate instructors

Rescue Philosophy

Scene Management

Medical Issues

Equipment

Rescue Vests

Throw Ropes

Line Ferries and Line Crossings

Knots

Anchors

Mechanical Advantage

Pins

Entrapments

Stabilization, snag, and cinch lines

Hazards and Hydrology

Swimming

Strainers

Wading

Boat-based rescue

Tethered and Non-Tethered Swimming Rescues

Live Bait (Replaced by Tethered & Non-Tethered Rescues)

Contact Rescues and C-spine control (Replaced by Tethered & Non-Tethered Rescues)

V-lowers

Scenarios

SWR Class Final Exam

 

Welcome to the ACA Safety & Rescue IDW/ICE course.  This is an extensive class that concentrates on developing solid instructors.  The class venue will include several different rivers that match the characteristics necessary for teaching each ACA instructor candidate level.  All instructor candidates will need to read the latest ACA suggested curriculums and be able to identify local venues that match the class level they plan to teach.  The ACA offers classes from a partial day right on up to the full two day class with full scenarios.  As an IT (Instructor Trainer), my job is to asist you in becoming a well qualified instructor.  You will need to prepare for this class, practice your rope skills,  swim in various rapids, make certain your gear is up to the task,  rehearse short teaching assignments, and of course ask LOTS of questions.

Becoming a Safety & Rescue Instructor is a big deal, especially at Level 4 (and above).  This discipline covers a huge body of knowledge.  As an instructor, you will be saving several lives without even knowing about it.  This course is a favorite for experienced boaters year after year.  You will also meet a number of experts in various topics as you teach this course:

  • Medical: Doctors, Nurses, EMTs
  • Rope Experts: Climbers, Riggers, etc.
  • Class V Boaters
  • Professionals: Fire Fighters, Police, Rangers, etc.
  • Other surprises as well