Date post: | 04-Feb-2018 |
Category: |
Documents |
Upload: | john-alexander-gallin |
View: | 226 times |
Download: | 0 times |
7/21/2019 Boatman Manual
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/boatman-manual 1/80
OUTDOOR ADVENTURE
PROGRAM
Mountain Home AFB,
Idaho
VOLUNTEER BOATMAN
TRAINING MANUAL
7/21/2019 Boatman Manual
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/boatman-manual 2/802
OUTDOOR ADVENTURE PROGRAM
VOLUNTEER BOATMAN, RAFTING TRAINING HANDBOOK
Table of Contents
Objectives . . . . . . . . . 3
The Big Picture. . . . . . . . . 4Missions . . . . . . . . . 5
Training Guidelines . . . . . . . . 6
Rafting for Volunteers. . . . . . . . 7Official Position Description . . . . . . . 8
Unofficial Position Description. . . . . . . 9
Boatman Benefits . . . . . . . . 10
OAP Rules . . . . . . . . . 11Boatmen Policies . . . . . . . . 12
Volunteer Liability . . . . . . . . 13
Human Relationships in Insurance. . . . . . . 14-15
Trip Safety . . . . . . . . . 16Leadership . . . . . . . . . 17
Case Histories . . . . . . . . . 18
Incident/Accident Reporting . . . . . . . 19Incident/Minor Medical Report. . . . . . . 20-21
Equipment Checkout . . . . . . . . 22
Suggested Trip Items . . . . . . . . 23-24Whitewater Classification . . . . . . . 25
Rafting Techniques . . . . . . . . 26-27
Put-In Briefing . . . . . . . . 28-30
Paddle/Oar Boat Briefing. . . . . . . . 31-32General Rafting Tips . . . . . . . . 33-35
Extended Raft Trips . . . . . . . . 36-38
Care and Use of Rafts . . . . . . . . 39-40Hand Signals . . . . . . . . . 41-43
Personal Flotation Devices . . . . . . . 44-47
Throw Bags . . . . . . . . . 48
Rafting Terms . . . . . . . . . 49-54Hypothermia . . . . . . . . . 54-55
River Rescue . . . . . . . . . 56-60
Important Basic Knots . . . . . . . 61Telfer Lower . . . . . . . . . 62
River Stats . . . . . . . . . 63-65
Absolutes . . . . . . . . . 66
Leadership Roles . . . . . . . . 67 Notes . . . . . . . . . . 68-70
Rope Nomenclature . . . . . . . . 71
River Rescue Knots . . . . . . . . 72-75Mechanical Advantages . . . . . . . 76
Anchors/Self Equalizing Systems. . . . . . . 77-80
Last updated April 2013
7/21/2019 Boatman Manual
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/boatman-manual 3/803
Mountain Home Air Force Base
Outdoor Adventure Program
Volunteer Boatman Training
Rafting Coordinator: Russ Scheel
Duty Phone: 828-6333
Dir, Outdoor Adventure: Mike Hurt
Duty Phone: 828-6333
Training Description:
This training is designed to expose the boatman to the essential elements involvedin rowing and paddling rafts safely through whitewater. Also included are equipment
identification and function, raft maintenance, rafting situations, river logistics, and other
related topics.
Objectives:
The boatman will be able to:
1. Identify, assemble, and describe the use of rafting equipment.
2. Identify river hydraulics, describe their characteristics and how they canaffect rafting.
3. Row and paddle rafts safely through whitewater and describe the strokes
used.
4. Recognize potential river emergency situations, explain and demonstrate
how to deal with them.5. Describe and explain river features, e.g. CFS, river length, rapid names,
put-in and take-out locations and elevations.
7/21/2019 Boatman Manual
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/boatman-manual 4/804
THE BIG PICTURE
Introduction
Hardly anything requires more physical and mental skills than captaining a whitewater raft. The purpose of this booklet is to help you make each trip as smooth and
fulfilling as possible, and help you excel as a boatman.
History
The Outdoor Adventure Program began in 1976 as a group of ten volunteerswanting to show others how personally rewarding outdoor activities could be. The OAP
became part of the MWR division in 1977. In its first year the OAP had ten trips and
served 150 people. In 1991 the OAP had 152 trips and served 2804 people. In the course
of fifteen years, the OAP moved from the base chapel, to the Recreation Center broomcloset, to the MWR Supply maintenance room, to a condemned post office building, until
finally in 1985 the OAP moved into its award-winning new building. The OAP has
always been made up of just a few full-time staff people who get tremendous amounts of
help from volunteers. Without volunteers this program would not have a past, a present,or a future.
Special Place
The OAP is not the wood, glass and brick in its building; it is the people. The
OAP is a place that is made up of people who may be staff members, college interns,volunteers, or participants. Mountain Home Air Force Base has the Model Outdoor
Recreation Program and serves as the Outdoor Recreation Management Training Center
for the Air Force. The OAP has won numerous awards for performance. Volunteers in
the OAP are tasked with maintaining high standards of personal duty and appearance of
the building, inside and outside. The OAP often hosts visiting dignitaries, so we mustlook and be sharp at all times, including on the river and in the equipment room.
7/21/2019 Boatman Manual
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/boatman-manual 5/805
MISSION
Services Mission
The ultimate mission of all Services Squadron facilities, including the OAP is:“To enhance force readiness and espirit de corps through a higher state of physical and
mental well- being.” There is hardly a better way to accomplish this mission than with
outdoor recreation activities!
OAP Mission
Likewise, the mission of the OAP is: “To provide positive outdoor recreation
activities which occur in the natural environment for the mental and physical well-being
of OAP customers to enhance force readiness.” An OAP customer is defined as activeduty, reserve or retired military personnel, DOD civilians, their dependents and
accompanied guests.
Boatmen’s Mission
“To provide a safe and personally rewarding river experience to OAP customers
which may increase their physical and mental well- being enhancing readiness.”
More importantly, the boatman is usually the first, and possible the only, OAP
representative a customer comes in contact with, so it is crucial, the boatman’s job bedone well.
7/21/2019 Boatman Manual
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/boatman-manual 6/806
SPECIAL TRAINING GUIDELINES
For all returning and new boatmen.
1. Some training is mandatory and you must attend or receive that trainingfrom some other agency. Some training may be waived for TDYs, family
emergencies, or medical reasons with the consent of the Raft Coordinator.
Waivers are easier to obtain if the boatman is already highly skilled. Inother words, make all training sessions if possible.
2. It has been the experience of the OAP that the boatman who cannot be
counted on for making training trips can also not be counted on formaking summer customer trips. A prospective boatman must review
whether there will be time in his/her life for the training, customer trips,
church, school, TDYs, work schedule, family or other obligations.
Training Format
The OAP training program relies upon regular staff, paid contractors, and selected
returning boatmen for training new volunteers.You will be assigned to a different trainer for each day of training to assure you
get a chance to hear from several sources on “how it is done.” The standards are taught
during the group training sessions held by regular staff members before you break up intosmaller “on river” groups.
There is no graduation from this course as it is a continuous learning process built
upon year after year of experiences.There is no pass/fail system based on your training reports, but instead you will be
assigned duties commensurate with your skill level.
Towards the end of the training period you will fill out a wish list for summer
scheduling. The wish list is used as a guide only, but it does give you a choice that works
out most of the time. Everyone, of course, wishes for an extended permissive TDY tripdown the Salmon or Snake rivers. The boatmen selection for these trips will be based
upon:a. The needs of the trip, i.e. do we need a safety kayaker, cook, sweep boat,
doctor along.
b. The skill level necessary for the river.
c. The boatmen who have shown the most dedication, commitment, and positive attitude.
If there is a conflict or problem you face either in training or during the regular season,
which affects your performance, then please contact the Raft Coordinator first. Many
times problems can be solved at a lower management level much quicker and easier thangoing straight to the top.
7/21/2019 Boatman Manual
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/boatman-manual 7/807
RAFTING FOR VOLUNTEER BOATMEN
As Outdoor Adventure Program boatmen you will have an opportunity to learn
whitewater river rafting skills, explore some of Idaho’s finest rivers, and meet someexceptional people.
River raft trips involve a tremendous amount of work. There is the pre-tripmeeting, menu planning, food purchasing, equipment loading, transportation logistics,
vehicle driving, setting up equipment at the put-in, floating the section of river, taking the
equipment apart at the take-out, driving back, unloading, and cleaning up. On anovernight trip: setting up camp and preparing dinner. As a boatman you will be expected
to take part in most, if not all of these duties.
It is definitely to your advantage to attend as many of the sessions as possible.This does not mean if you miss a session because of work you will not be able to be a
boatman. Everyone who goes through the training program will be eligible for OAP raft
trips. The scheduling of boatmen on raft trips is based on three things: 1) the river
difficulty, 2) the boater’s skill level, and 3) the boatman’s availability. Most trips are oneday in length, with some extended trips lasting from four to eight-days.
Previous seasons were highly successful with no major mishaps. This was aresult of the tremendous commitment and dedication of all of the boatmen to making
safety and trip quality their number one in priority.
Our goal is to provide the best whitewater rafting experience available anywhere
and to never compromise the safety of our participants.
7/21/2019 Boatman Manual
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/boatman-manual 8/808
OFFICIAL BOATMAN’S POSITION DESCRIPTION
Typical duties as a boatman include:
1. Navigate inflatable rafts down local and distant rivers, following OAPoperating instructions and procedures. Trips may last one, two or several
days, with rapids from Class I to Class IV difficulty encountered.
2. Monitor, supervise, and be responsible for the safe passage of raftingcustomers through flat, moving, and/or turbulent whitewater, on roadside and
wilderness rivers. Includes providing a safe camp setting during overnight
trips.3. Assist in the logistical support of providing raft trips for a large number of
people. This includes: planning, packing, and preparing meals; repairing torn
or broken raft materials and parts; general cleaning of camp equipment;
checking out and in of camp equipment to patrons; monitoring acceptablehouse cleaning standards in the OAP storeroom; ensuring proper sanitation
and hygiene standards at campsites; and the loading and unloading of rafting
gear, both at the river and at the OAP building prior to and after trips.
4. Driving duties to include: ensuring vehicles have been road-checked properly;driving equipment and/or participant vehicles over potentially dangerous
roads in variable weather to the put-in site; arranging the shuttle of vehicles to
the take-out site; returning of equipment and/or participants to base; andsometimes as assigned driver, not rafting that day.
5. Briefs and instructs customers as to: the care and use of rafting gear; all
aspects of safety awareness; and the techniques of maneuvering inflatablerafts.
6. Provide minor first aid and river rescue techniques as necessary.
7. Respond to the direction of the trip leader or leaders (OAP staff members),
who provides boatmen training and assigns tasks as required with spot-
checking of completed tasks for quantity and quality.8. Special considerations include: a potentially high amount of personal risk,
injury, or discomfort due to high, cold, and fast-moving whitewater; streamobstacles such as rocks, trees, and river bends, non-potable water, insects,
high temperatures, intense sunlight or unseasonably cold, rainy weather, and
flipping of inflatable rafts or falling out of the raft and into the river.
9. This work requires an unusually high amount of energy, both physical andmental, to perform such tasks as lifting rafts weighing up to 100 pounds,
rowing a 1500-pound loaded raft up to twelve hours per day on rivers, and
constantly analyzing and monitoring human and environmental factors for
potential hazards. Special consideration should be made by the boatman to
maintain ideal body weight, muscular strength, and overall fitness to better perform these duties. The OAP may require a doctor’s approval to continue
being a boatman or to begin training or rafting if a potential health problem isknown to exist.
7/21/2019 Boatman Manual
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/boatman-manual 9/809
UNOFFICIAL BOATMAN’S POSITION DESCRIPTION
Reality; being a boatman is not always bringing a group of merry paddlers down a
sparkling mountain river in 90-degree sunshine!
A typical day lasts from 05:30 am to 6:30 pm.
For twelve hours you are working with no time to relax by yourself. A typical day could be described as:
Load up gear on FridayEarly morning Saturday departure
Drive two hours to river
Unload gear
Inflate raftsSet up rafts
Lay out customer gear
Run shuttle to take-out point
Brief patronsInstruct patrons
Paddle, paddle, paddle (this is where you are captaining the raft)
Take out for lunchSet up lunch
Take down lunch
Load raftsPaddle, paddle, paddle (you are once again captaining the raft)
Take out of river
Take down equipment
Load rafts on truck
Load equipmentGas vehicles
Drive homeUnload and store gear
Wash, gas and vacuum vehicles
Do this again on Sunday!
On top of this, it may be raining, or the temperature may be anywhere from the
low 40’s to 100’s degree range!
7/21/2019 Boatman Manual
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/boatman-manual 10/8010
OAP VOLUNTEER BOATMAN BENEFITS
OAP volunteerism is not without its benefits. Among the benefits to you as a volunteer
boatman are:
1. The opportunity to float many of Idaho’s premier whitewater rivers at little or no
cost.
2. The opportunity to meet many people and make friends who share common
interests.
3. Earn credit for time volunteered at the OAP for duties not associated with
boatmen on-river rafting duties. For example: driving shuttle vehicles or
repairing rafting equipment. These credits can be applied towards the cost of
other OAP trips.
4. The opportunity to float on extended river trips of three to seven days in length
without having leave charged (Permissive TDY).
5. Learning a life-long skill you can share with friends.
6. Receiving a letter of appreciation sent to your squadron advising them of thehours volunteered and the vital service performed on behalf of Outdoor
Recreation and the USAF.
7. The chance to purchase personal rafting accessories at discounted rates.
8. Receiving a boatman’s whistle for on the river.
9. Receiving a Boatman’s T-shirt.
10. Receiving a coveted copy of the USAF Model Outdoor Recreation ProgramWhitewater Boatman’s Handbook.
7/21/2019 Boatman Manual
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/boatman-manual 11/8011
OAP RULES
Trip Rules
The following rules are to be followed and enforced by all boatmen.
NO…
o Drugs (unless legal prescription medication)o Firearms
o Pets
o Alcohol (beer, wine, or hard liquor)
o Radios (headphones stereos are acceptable except while driving or rafting)at any time during an OAP trip.
No smoking in the vans, near the rafts, or while wearing a PFD or splash top.
All passengers in a government vehicle must wear seat belts.
All PFDs must be worn and fully fastened at all times while on the water.
Boatman Rules (in addition to those listed above)
No irresponsible horseplay on or off the river.
No vehicle abuse.
Negligent equipment care and use which results in damage. Means you can beheld financially responsible.
No hangovers on trip day.
No alcohol on overnight trips, at boatmen’s camps, or anywhere else wheninvolved on an OAP trip.
Gear returned late will be charged a late fee.
Stealing will not be tolerated.
Increasing trip accident potential. E.g.…. A boatman purposely puts his raft &customers into a known hazardous situation. The boatman would be dismissed.
Report and record all incidents, minor medical or major medical emergencies onthe proper form.
The river is no place for sexual advances, welcomed or otherwise, to either patrons or other boatmen.
Help enforce OAP rules and policies fairly and consistently.
If you don’t know, or are unsure, Ask!
No exceptions.
7/21/2019 Boatman Manual
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/boatman-manual 12/8012
OAP BOATMEN POLICIES
To run the safest and most enjoyable trip possible.
To assist with weekend load-up and clean-up duties whenever possible.
To be thinking in terms of helping customers enjoy and learn during their trip.
Keep humor and language healthy and inoffensive (No Cursing).
Wear clothing in hot springs, saunas, and swimming.
Deal with negative feeling towards someone privately. Open disagreements causeeveryone to lose and trip quality to suffer.
Up early for work details on overnight trips.
Customers are served first, (Meals on extended trips) boatmen after.
Reiterate safety points in your boat and elaborate where necessary.
If patrons are standing around, ask if they want to help carry, load, etc.
A good staff asks what needs doing, how they can help and anticipates needs.
Return all gear where it was found.
Practice minimum impact rafting/camping procedures at all times (pack it in, packit out).
Monitor and remind patrons to take precautions against sunburn, and dehydration.To wear sunglasses, a sunhat, and sunscreen.
Always stay between the lead and sweep rafts.
Always stay in sight of the boats to your front, and behind you.
Watch for other boats in the OAP group, which may be in need of assistance.
Discourage high jumps into water and always go feet first.
Water fighting is okay, if done in moderation; no fighting above rapids, no boarding other rafts, no pulling/throwing of people out of rafts. Be careful at
close range. Captured buckets may be used against other rafts, but must be
returned after 3 uses.
Swimming off of rafts is okay in easy water, but a PFD must be worn. Also, be
sure no one drifts more then 100 feet from your boat and that their feet are notdragging. Let customers know if you are going in for a swim. Always usecaution with both the paddles and oars when customers are in the water
swimming.
Use discretion in personal relationships on the river.
Inflate all air chambers equally and be aware of hot, sunny days and expanding
tubes.
Weekend back-to-back day trips may include camping overnight with rafts. Youare responsible to load your camping gear and coolers set aside for this at the
OAP.
7/21/2019 Boatman Manual
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/boatman-manual 13/8013
VOLUNTEER LIABILITY
Liability
Definition: As a boatman have the duty to protect someone from foreseeableharm. You as a boatman have this duty, as there are very few acts of God! If you fail in
this responsibility you can be held liable for the consequences.
Professional rafting companies buy liability insurance coverage in the millions of
dollars to protect themselves from lawsuit due to the injury to a customer.
Failure to protect our customers may be from our failure to do our jobs according
to the standards of a professional rafting company. This is called negligence.
If a customer is hurt and they sue us and the court finds us negligent, then the patron wins and he moves to the Caribbean for the rest of his life. The OAP shuts down
here and maybe throughout the Air Force.
Therefore, to prevent being sued; protect your patrons from foreseeable harm andalways follow the standards of the profession, i.e. wear life jackets at all times, use throw
lines, have trained and qualified boatmen, have your first aid and CPR cards updated.
Boatman Insurance
As a volunteer boatman you are considered to be an employee of the government.According to regulations, as long as you are acting within the scope of your duties,
whether paid or unpaid, in an official government activity, then you are considered a
government employee in case of a lawsuit occurring. This means Uncle Sam will back
you up if a patron sues you or the whole Air Force.
However, remember to act within the scope of your duties. Drinking whiskey
for lunch is not within your duties, nor is speeding; either one means patrons could gethurt and could sue you, but this time the government argues that you were negligent in
your duties. You are then out on a very long limb. The moral of the story is to do your
job and do it well, and if you don’t know, then ask!
7/21/2019 Boatman Manual
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/boatman-manual 14/8014
HUMAN RELATIONSHIPS IN INSURANCE
Our relationship with our participants can help create an atmosphere which would reduce
the possibility of claims made against us. The following list was compiled as a guideline
for your interaction with your participants before and after injuries.
Notice people
Recognize people, learn their names.
Respond to people.
Make Friends. (Friends are less likely to sue one another.)
Comment on things people are doing right. (From the safety point of view.)
Pay special attention to people after an injury. (Recreation allows people to dostupid things they would not do (hopefully) under normal circumstances.)
Observe and document when the injured person seems to be under the influenceof alcohol or drugs. Where did it come from?
Never give first aid without permission of participant.
Document what people say immediately after an accident. (Many times they areself-causing at first.)
When describing how the incident occurred, record what you observed. If you
did not see it, indicate, “Party stated.” If what you saw differs from what participant stated, so indicate.
Put any information, which is pertinent, such as “Participant stated she was not
hurt, but husband insisted she be given first aid”.
If the injury is a result of another participant’s negligence, so indicate.
Note who speaks to the participant and who offers, directs, or gives first aid. Donot include conjecture or possibilities. State only facts you know or quote
comments you hear.
Remember everything you are told is important. Participants often tell the first person they talk to one version of how an accident occurred and tell a different
story later on.
Your report of the accident is very important. You get the first version of how anaccident occurred or you are a witness.
If you think a picture of the location and conditions would help document theaccident, and if you have a camera available, take what pictures you can.
7/21/2019 Boatman Manual
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/boatman-manual 15/8015
Be sure to indicate any witnesses, boatman or participant, include name, addressand phone. These people are extremely important in a law suit.
If an injury appears serious it may be prudent to ask for written statements by awitness.
Instruct boatmen not to encourage participants to participate in activities, which pose greater than normal hazards, or any activity in which the participant is
reluctant to become involved.
7/21/2019 Boatman Manual
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/boatman-manual 16/8016
TRIP SAFETY
Safety: Hand in hand with understanding liability
Definition: Reducing accident potential by reducing the interaction of
environmental and human hazards in any given situation.
A very simple way to remember how to increase trip safety:
Accident Equation: A = B + C
A= Accident potentialB= Environmental hazards
C= Customer (Human) hazards
“A” stands for accident potential; “B” can be described as environmentalhazards; and “C” can be described as human hazards. Accident potential could very
easily lead to accidents. Our safety goal is to reduce accident potential by being
constantly aware of and limiting environmental and human hazards for every minute of
every trip, beginning with load up and ending with shutting off the lights and goinghome.
A few common environment hazards on river trips:
- High water - Cold water
- Fast water - Log jams- Wind - Broken oar pin
- Poor road conditions - Vehicle breakdown
- Paddles - Buckets
A few common human hazards on river trips:
- Missing equipment - Insufficient repair kit- Machismos - Ego
- Shyness - Inattentiveness
- Ingressiveness - Over-aggressiveness
- Showing off - Fatigue- Hangovers - Sickness
- Being in a hurry - Lack of knowledge/skill
7/21/2019 Boatman Manual
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/boatman-manual 17/8017
LEADERSHIP
A method to reduce accident potential is to provide strong, fair, and consistent
leadership in your raft. This means at times you are directive in your approach.
Directive leadership means you are very close to your participants physically, you give
very specific directions, and your attitude is very serious. This form of leadership worksto enforce rules. Rules are things that have no bend in them. They must be followed by
all, especially the leader. Rules provide a way to separate environmental and human
hazards.
Example: The rule to wear lifejacket at all times. Customer falls in river while
showing off doing a handstand on raft bow. Customer’s human hazards of showing offcauses accident potential, but the rule to prevent the environmental hazard; no life jacket
results in the person not drowning.
Directive leadership must be present whenever it concerns safety andemergencies. This is why we practice emergency skills, and perform clearly, efficiently,
and with no questions asked when told by the trip leader to do something in rescues or
medical emergencies. This leadership style is used by paddleboat captains in the form of
yelling commands to the crew as the boat maneuvers through rapids.
One other point concerning leadership is understanding the difference between
actual and perceived risk. Actual risk is the very real danger in any activity due to
the hazards present. Perceived risk is the danger to life and limb in the mind of the
participant.
Class II rapids to most boatmen become “ho-hum” after running them awhile because
there is very little actual risk of broaching on a log jam or a rock, or other dangerous
hazards which would prove to be serious. However, to a new participant in the boat,
a Class II rapid may seem thrilling or dangerous. A good leader understands how an
action or comment on his part livens up a trip by increasing perceived risk in participants, but yet not to the point of making the trip not fun for someone. An
example: before entering a rapid, tell your participants to “paddle hard all togethernow and we might get through this alive.”
Remember too, actual risk may be present when very few environmental hazards
exist, but human hazards are high. An example is the complacent, bored boatman whoruns an easy rapid differently to liven things up and ends up broaching on a shoreline
rock.
7/21/2019 Boatman Manual
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/boatman-manual 18/8018
OAP CASE HISTORIES
Find the common human and environmental hazard with these true-life OAP
accidents. (Names have been changed to protect the innocent.)
#1 Cindy was on her first raft-training trip and was very excited about it.After a full day on the river she was tired and glad to be reaching the river take-out point.
When the boat touched shore, she jumped out and immediately ran up the bank. She
stepped on a sharp piece of glass, which penetrated her river booties and cut into her foot,requiring four stitches at the hospital.
#2 George was on the last trip of a very busy rafting summer. The OAP wasfloating the North Fork of the Payette River one last time. George had been down this
river a few times before and felt he knew it very well. On the first drop, George let his
boat get very close to a big rock next to the shore. He had always done this on previous
trips in order to give his participants a more thrilling ride. However, the river on this daywas flowing one foot higher. The boat turned sluggish, the crew did not paddle strong
enough to avoid the risk, and the boat broached against the rock. The participants
jumped onto the rock, narrowly escaping being crushed by the water and the boat.
7/21/2019 Boatman Manual
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/boatman-manual 19/8019
INCIDENT/ACCIDENT REPORTING
This pertains to all operations and is not limited to just patrons on the river.
Reporting allows safety awareness, procedural and rule changes to limit accident
potential.
Incidents are those early warning signs that something is wrong and needs to be
fixed to prevent disaster. Also referred to as near misses. Examples include more thanone near miss at the same road intersection or almost broaching a raft on the same rock
several times.
Minor Medical means someone needed to be treated for a minor injury and the
boatmen’s personal first aid kit needed to be opened.
Incident/Minor Medical Reporting — Fill out the incident/minor medical formas soon as possible so you don’t forget details. Give the report to the trip leader.
Major Medical means a major emergency occurred with program’s primary first
aid kit opened.
Major Medical Reporting — Fill out major medical report of injury form as
required. The report is given to the Rafting Coordinator.
All incidents and accidents will be reviewed and changes to procedures made if needed.
Safety bulletins will be posted on the OAP equipment room bulletin board, which servesas the official bulletin board for OAP boatmen.
7/21/2019 Boatman Manual
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/boatman-manual 20/8020
INCIDENT/MINOR MEDICAL REPORT
1. Date of incident________ 2. Location of Incident_____________________________
3. Individual(s) Involved
Name Phone Rank Sponsor’s Name
4. Details of Incident (Draw diagram below)____________________________________
5. Action Taken___________________________________________________________
6. Name and Signature of OAP Representative’s_________________________________
7. Staff Member in Charge__________________________________________________
8. Action Taken and Staff Signature__________________________________________
9. Additional Comments____________________________________________________
7/21/2019 Boatman Manual
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/boatman-manual 21/8021
MAJOR MEDICAL REPORT OF INJURY
DATE___________ TIME______________TIME EMSCONTACTED____________________
LOCATION___________________________BYWHOM______________________________
____________________________________
A. INTERVIEW VICTIM B. CHECK VITALS1. INTRODUCE SELF
1.PULSE
2. RECEIVED CONSENT TO GIVE CARE? 1.________________TIME/RATE
_________YES _________NO
2.________________TIME/RATE
3. VICTIM'S NAME
____________________________________ 3.________________TIME/RATE
4. WHAT HAPPENED?
____________________________________ 2. BREATHING
____________________________________ 1_________________TIME/RATE
____________________________________2.________________TIME/RATE
5. LOCATION OF PAIN
____________________________________ 3.________________TIME/RATE
____________________________________
____________________________________
3. SKIN
6. ALLERGIES? TEMP____________HOT/COOL
____________________________________
MOISTURE_________________
7. CURRENT MEDICATION?
____________________________________ COLOR____________________
C.HEAD TO TOE EXAM
1. HEAD_____________________________ 3. TORSO
________________________________
EYES______________________
FLUID 4. ARMS/FINGERS
____________________________________ ________________________________
EARS NOSE MOUTH
5. PELVIC
2.NECK ________________________________
____________________________________
6. LEGS/TOES
________________________________
ACTION TAKED_________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________
NAME & SIGNATURE OF RESPONDER______________________________________________________
7/21/2019 Boatman Manual
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/boatman-manual 22/8022
EQUIPMENT AND CHECKOUT PROCEDURES
All gear must be signed out on the Equipment Sign-out Sheet. All applicable blocksmust be filled in and you must have a staff member initial as the issuing person. When
the gear is returned, be sure and have a staff member sign the gear in, and annotate the
gear was returned, and destroy the equipment sign out sheet. If the gear is not annotatedreturned and the gear comes up missing, you could be held financially responsible.
The best way to care for you river gear is:Rinse in cool water immediately after each trip. (Do not let your wet gear sit in
the duffle for days, especially in the heat.) If they are dirty you can just hose them down
and the dirt should wash off. You do not need to wash them with soap unless they are
really dirty (smelly). Let them hang dry, inside out. Do not put in the dryer!
7/21/2019 Boatman Manual
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/boatman-manual 23/8023
DAY RAFTING TRIP SUGGESTED ITEMS
During the raft-training season, the weather is usually on the chilly side. It is not unusual
to be rained on, sleeted on, and sometimes snowed on. In order to be as comfortable as
possible and protect yourself from hypothermia, the following suggestions are offered
regarding clothing.
There are no changing rooms located on most of the rivers we raft. Therefore, it is a
good idea to wear your bathing suit/swim trunks underneath your street clothes. Once wearrive at the river put-in site, you change into your river clothing and leave your street
clothing in the van where they will be waiting for you at the take-out point, nice and dry.
You may also wish to leave a towel with your clothing — if the river trip was a wet one,it’s much easier changing into dry clothing if your body is dry.
You need to make sure none of your river clothing is cotton. Once cotton gets wet and
cold it stays wet and cold. Cotton clothing provides very little insulation value when wet.Your best bet is a wool or synthetic blend.
The wetsuit is the most important item of river clothing. A wetsuit is not waterproof.
Instead, the wetsuit material allows water to flow in where it is trapped between the innerside of the wetsuit and your skin. Your body heat warms the water and provides you with
a warm layer against your skin. Suits to work the best, they need to be snug, not too
tight, and not to loose fitting.
River booties can be purchased through the OAP. The booties are not required but they
do make a difference in helping to keep your feet warm. The booties are not waterproof;they are made of similar material as the wetsuit.
Another option is wetsocks with sandals or tennis shoes. The wetsocks are made of a
thin layer of neoprene and work in the same manner as a river bootie. The sandals or
tennis shoes usually provide more padding than river booties between your feet and therocks and stones of the river. All sandals and tennis shoes must be securely attached to
your feet – no thongs or slip on sneakers.
If you choose not to purchase river booties or wetsocks, the next best solution is wool
socks and tennis shoes. Remember – do not wear cotton socks as cotton has a very little
insulation value when wet.
A polypropylene longjohn top can add comfort and warmth. During the really cool
days, you may also want to bring along another layer or two of clothing for wearing on
the river. If you do not have polypropylene, a wool or synthetic sweater, or synthetic
longjohns work well.
A rain suit is a hooded jacket and pants made of nylon. These are not waterproof either but do help to deflect the water off of you. They also work great as a windbreaker on
windy days.
Even on cool and cloudy days it is possible to get sun burned. It is advisable to wear
sunscreen while on the river. You are exposed to the sun’s rays from above and the sun
is also reflected off the water. Sunscreen with a minimum sun protection factor of 15 isrecommended. Be sure to apply it before you get to the river; give you skin time to
7/21/2019 Boatman Manual
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/boatman-manual 24/8024
absorb the sunscreen before you are exposed to the sun. A waterproof or water-resistant
sunscreen is best. Also, be sure to reapply often for maximum benefit.
Gloves are nice to have. Your hands (as well as most of your body) will probably be
getting wet as you go through rapids. Gloves provide warmth and also make it much
easier to grip the paddle when it is cold.
During cold weather and on cool, windy days you may want to wear a stocking cap.
Remember, you can loose 50% or more of your body heat through your head. On brightdays, it’s a good idea to wear a hat with a brim, such as a baseball cap. This will shield
your eyes from the sun and also help keep your face from getting burned.
Sunglasses are a nice comfort item to have along. They should be the type that provide
90-100% UV protection. A retaining strap for your glasses and hat will help to keep your
glasses and hat on your face/head during vigorous water fights, or unexpected swims.
You will need to bring your lunch on most trips. Tupperware-type containers help keep
your lunch from becoming crushed, and also help keep the water out. Easy lunches with
lots of “munchies” work good; fruit, cheese and crackers, peanut butter and jelly
sandwiches, trail mix, etc. During cool weather you can pack your lunch with almost anytype of food. On the really hot days of summer be sure and stay away from foods that
could easily spoil in the heat.
You will also need to bring along something you can drink from all day long. The
combination of the sun, the fun, and the physical exertion makes it possible to become
dehydrated very easily. The best solution is water. Second best is a water based drinksuch as Kool-Aid or lemonade. You should have at least a one-quart container of drink.
Be sure the container is nonbreakable. A hint for the hot days; freeze your water bottle
the night before the trip. That way, your drink will stay fairly cool throughout the day.
7/21/2019 Boatman Manual
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/boatman-manual 25/8025
WHITEWATER CLASSIFICATION
Class I — Moving water with riffles and small waves. Passages are wide and clear with
no maneuvering required.
Class II — Waves up to three feet high or small rapids require some maneuvering around
rocks or small holes.
Class III — Rapids with high, irregular waves and narrow passages often require multiple
maneuvers.
Class IV — Long, difficult rapids with constricted passages require precise maneuvering
in turbulent waters. Scouting from shore is often necessary and conditions make rescue
difficult.
Class V — Extremely difficult, long and very violent rapids with highly congested routes
may contain drops and large unavoidable waves or holes. Scouting from shore is
essential.
Class VI — Difficulties of Class V carried to the extreme of navigability, nearly
impossible and very dangerous. Beyond the limits of reasonable boating for even the
most expert.
7/21/2019 Boatman Manual
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/boatman-manual 26/8026
RIVER RAFTING TECHNIQUES
1. River Features (be able to identify and describe)
Main current
Tongue(s) —Downstream pointing “V”
Obstacles — Upstream pointing “V”
Whirlpools
Holes (safe vs. keepers)
Pillow foam configurations
Inside, outside of bend in river
River right and left
Weirs and dams
Waves
Midstream rocks and their dangers
Strainers — on river banks and midstream debris catchers
2. Oar Boat Rowing Techniques
No dangling oars, keep hands on the oars while the blades are in the water.
No fending off rocks with oars Beware of oars hitting rocks in shallow water on downriver side
Use solid deep stroke to the throat of oar
Back pivot and rowing bow upstream
Ferrying at 45 degree angle to the current and point bow at what you wantto avoid.
Portegee technique — pointing bow where you want to go for gentle stretchof water.
Double oar pivot
Bow goes square into waves. Momentum can aid getting through bigwaves.
Folding in oars for narrow sections and docking.
Good technique and a little muscle works much better than all muscle.
3. Paddle Boat Techniques
All gear tied in securely.
All paddlers have system for bracing themselves in.
High siding (in waves, eddies, and obstacles).
Paddle commands:
o All forward All backward
o Left turn Right turn
o Draw right Draw left
o All Stop
The dangers of broaching and how to spin off.
Docking techniques and timing (watch out for getting hung up and rammingobstacles).
Front paddlers set rhythm and right front paddler set rhythm for the left front paddler.
Don’t overwork the crew.
Ensure they have good rhythm and use their whole body to paddle. When possible balance the raft on both sides to have equal strength and weight.
7/21/2019 Boatman Manual
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/boatman-manual 27/8027
4. Scouting Techniques
Take your time
Identify: main tongues, main current.
Throw in a flotsam to find current.
Pick out route and alternate route.
5. General Policies
Always stay between the lead boat and sweep boat.
Always keep the boat ahead of you and behind you in sight, and if they stop orslow down, do likewise.
Always keep a distance of at least three boat lengths away from any boatwhile entering rapids.
Always remain as a group and not be separated.
Always return all repair gear and fir st aid gear to their boxes as soon as you’refinished with them.
Always be aware of your passengers: their comfort and state of mind,
especially their “fear factor.”
7/21/2019 Boatman Manual
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/boatman-manual 28/8028
RAFTING PUT-IN BRIEFING
Before every river trip, all participants must be given a thorough briefing on river safety.
This briefing should be specifically tailored to the type of activity involved, whether it’s rafting,kayaking, canoeing, tubing, fishing, or whatever. The briefing should take place at the actual put-
in site, or if the put-in site is crowded, at a nearby location where the group does not add to thecongestion.
The objective of the safety briefing is to inform customers of possible hazards, whichmay be encountered during a river trip, precautions to be taken, and the proper procedures to deal
with those hazards. Keep in mind you will have many newcomers to whitewater recreation whomay be nervous or confused. You should be replacing ignorance with familiarity of theequipment and providing the proper reactions to any possible mishap. Participants should feel
assured every safety precaution is taken and have full confidence in the equipment and their boatman. The safety briefing does not end on shore. It continues on the river as boatmen identify
different river features and the effects they have on the boat and the river.
Items to brief participants on
1. Everyone must wear his lifejacket, fully fastened, at all times while on the water. Explain proper fitting methods and explain why all the buckles must be fastened. Demonstrate
how jackets are designed to keep the wearer floating in an upright position. Mention thatrain ponchos, or any other garment are never worn over the PFD.
2. No consumption of any alcoholic beverages at any time during the course of the trip.3. All ropes and lines must be stored to prevent entanglement.4. Explain entering and exiting the boat, how to sit in the boat, and rinsing off feet before
getting in the raft.5. Do not kneel on boat floors as you can get battered knees that way.6. Practice “no trace” wilderness ethics. 7. Explain toilet stops, including in-camp procedures for using the “honey pot”, and general
along the river “gotta go” stops.
8. Explain the use of bail buckets and the safe way to water fight9. Explain throw lines and how to use them.
10. Demonstrate what to do if someone should fall overboard.
River Features
Main Current River Right and LeftInside, outside bend in river WavesTongue Weirs and DamsSleepers WhirlpoolsHoles (Safe vs. Keepers) Eddies
Strainers, on river banks and Midstream debris catchersMidstream rocks and their danger (pillow/foam configuration)
7/21/2019 Boatman Manual
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/boatman-manual 29/8029
Potential Mishaps
Mishap Solution
1. Midstream broaching High side. Lean down river. Boatman should make
one last attempt to spin off. If stuck, shift weight from
one end to the other.
2. Going into a large wave High side hard. Lean into downstream side.
sideways or possible flip
3. Flipping (overturned raft) Get out from underneath the raft, keeping feet up and off
river bottom and pointed downstream. If you're on a big
river and raft has flip lines, work you way upstream of
the raft and climb on top of raft. If you come up away
from the raft, make sure you don't get between the raft
and a rock. If water is cold, swim towards a safe
shore where it may be possible for you to be picked
up by another raft. If you have a choice, get out on theside of the river with a road. If water is safe and warm,
stay on the upstream side of the raft and wait to be picked
up by another raft.
4. Swimming in rapids If you have just been washed over board you may be able
to climb back in. (Demo on how to assist someone in.) If you
can’t get back in, and the river is rocky, get your feet up and
in front of you. Looking down river use your feet to
cushion off rocks. If you swim through large holes,
breath through your teeth to avoid swallowing water.
Once through the rapid, swim to shore, avoiding
strainers and brush. To avoid possible foot entrapment
don't stand up until you are to shore. You may be
able to walk down river to the raft. Note: If you're
in the boat and someone else is swimming, don't go
in after them unless they're in trouble or the boatman
tells you to.
Launching and landing a raft at shore
Launching the raft can be very easy if it is in a big, gentle eddy. Simply untie the
raft, slide it into the water (being careful to avoid dragging the raft over sharp rocks), and
shove off. Once in the raft, neatly coil the line and tuck it away (In the Bowline Bag).However, a rocky shore launching from a small, fast eddy requires exact timing and good
communication between the boatman and the launcher.
7/21/2019 Boatman Manual
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/boatman-manual 30/8030
Landing and securing the raft to shore can, as in launching, be very easy if you are
landing in a big eddy. Simply get the rope ready and when you reach shore, hand orthrow the bow line to a waiting boatman. He will grab the line, pull the boat in, and
steady the boat while your customers and you get out of the raft. You will then take the
bow line from the boatman and secure your raft. (Have your customers clip their
PFD’s/helmets to straps in the raft. This way, they will know where their PFD is, and thelifejackets won’t be damaged on shore, or blown into the river by the wind.)
Additional Hazards
Ticks: Especially in the spring. Check yourself and each other, especially in the
hair.
Snakes: Western rattlers occasionally can be found along the shores of many of
our streams. Simply watch where you walk.
Poison Ivy and Poison Oak : There’s lots of it; know how to identify it.
Sunburn: Wear sunscreen and sunhats; remember water intensifies the sun’seffect. Apply a good layer of sunscreen prior to getting on the river; give it time
to be absorbed into your skin.
Dehydration: Drink water throughout the day. Refill water bottles at our lunch
stop, if needed.Broken glass, Slippery or Sharp Rocks: Look before you step on shore.
Water fights: In moderation. No boarding of other boats or pulling people out of
boats. No water fighting 100 yards before a rapid, ideally all captured bucketsshould be returned before entering a rapid, or after three free shots on the raft
(customer) who lost the bucket.
7/21/2019 Boatman Manual
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/boatman-manual 31/8031
PADDLE BOAT BRIEFING FOR BOATMEN
Explain commands: Forward, back, left turn, right turn, draw and pry, high side,all stop, paddle easy, paddle hard.
Explain moves: Ferry, eddy out, spins, pace person.
General:
Keep all lines coiled and or stowed securely.
Keep bucket secured when not in use.
Keep feet in the raft.
Keep shoes on and laced.
Lean on the tubes when boat enters big waves or holes, and use your legs and feetto brace into the raft. Always be ready to move to the high side.
Everyone wears a helmet at all times if required by trip leader.
Do not kneel or sit on raft floor, lest the raft hits a passing rock.
When the boat is about to land, the bow person should pick a good landing spot tostep onto. Have the rope ready to wrap around a rock or tree, and have the rock or
tree picked out prior to stepping out of the raft, just before the boat lands. Try not
to bang into trees/rocks when landing/launching.
Emphasize:
Importance of everyone working as a team.
Everybody counts.
Keeping rhythm and timing with voice commands, e.g. stroke – stroke.
Tips:
Keep the crew well balanced. Change people’s position in the raft if you have to.
Pick a good strong paddler for the right front position and have the rest of thecrew match his/her rhythm.
Avoid shouting at, or overworking your crew.
Give loud, clear and firm commands which all can hear – Keep panic out of yourvoice and actions.
Keep practicing the moves and commands (Left Turn, Right Turn,) prior togetting into the rapids. When the raft is in a rapid, this is not the time to practice
the turns. They should be practiced in the flat/calm water prior to any rapids.
This way you may only have to remind the paddlers what actions are required forwhat turn.
7/21/2019 Boatman Manual
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/boatman-manual 32/8032
OAR BOAT BRIEFING FOR BOATMEN
General:
Hold on tight (Straps, Frame) in the rapids, get low and lean onto the tubes to prevent getting washed overboard.
Caution people in the bow to avoid sitting where they can get struck by aswinging oar. Show them the arc of the oar swing. Explain command “shippingoar”.
Instruct how to keep the lines coiled and stowed away.
Do not kneel or sit on the bottom of the raft.
Review “S.O.P” after flip ping – swim with feet up, boat downstream of swimmer,swim to nearest raft or shore, don’t stand until very shallow and current is very
slow.
No dangling of the downstream oar.
Work on smooth and precise technique.
Be sure to avoid running over rocks.
Avoid any river features you’re not real sure of, or experienced with.
Stay well away from outside river bends, and shoreline vegetation and hazards.
7/21/2019 Boatman Manual
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/boatman-manual 33/8033
GENERAL RAFTING TIPS
Reach out and welcome customers — be warm and open with all participants.
Avoid hanging out with other boatmen and creating “in” and “out” groups. Keepeveryone included. Build group spirit.
Participants are unfamiliar with the river and rafting; treat them as equals and seewhat you can learn from them as they learn about the river.
Teach paddle crew about the river and rafting; give them a chance to row and
captain the raft in flat water. Avoid overdoing the commands. Be calm, precise
and clear when you give paddling commands.
Keep language and humor healthy and non-offensive.
Boatmen need to keep their clothes on in public, keep their vital parts adequatelycovered, and refrain from making unwelcomed advances.
If folks are standing around, ask if they want to help carry, load, pump, etc. Thishelps them feel like they are part of the trip.
Good boatmen support one another, support the OAP, and support the leader. Itonly takes one person to damage the team spirit and the trip experience.
If there are any negative feelings or problems, deal with them privately and at theappropriate time. Disagreements, complaints, criticism, and negative feelings
voiced aloud or to the wrong person can cause everyone to lose and the tripquality to decline.
A good boatman ask what needs doing, how they can help and anticipates theneeds of the trip. A good boatman doesn’t disappear when he or she is needed.
Allow enough time for work, start early, and not at the last minute. Rushing
usually results in tasks being forgotten or missed.
Be present and listening at the put-in briefing, reiterate the safety and “what if’s” points in your boat and elaborate where necessary. Balance the humor and
seriousness.
7/21/2019 Boatman Manual
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/boatman-manual 34/8034
While on the River
All boats stay between the lead and sweep boats. Never pass the lead boat. Keepthe boats in front of you and behind you in sight. Lead boat may be trying to set a
quicker or slower pace. Be aware of the pace which is being set and don’t get too
far apart.
Always keep the boat in front of you and in back of you generally in sight. If any
boat stops to eddy out, do the same. Otherwise the group is suddenly separatedand unable to help each other or make a decision. This is very important.
When passing or being passed on the river by other groups-be friendly but avoidgetting our boats mixed in with their boats; stay together as one group.
Swimming off the raft is okay, but ensure lifejackets are on and no one drifts
beyond 100 feet from the boat. Ensure swimmers are always observed. NO
DIVING!!
If swimming off the OAR Boat, as the boatman, secure your oars, and remember
to tell your passengers what you’re doing before you disappear into the river.
Discourage any high jumps into river and always go feet first.
Keep an eye out for funyakers who are often inexperienced and can get caught between the raft and a hard place. Also be ready to help them out if they get
swamped or are swimming.
Gently remind folks to cover up, wear sunscreen, sun hats, and sunglasses. Watchout for sunburn.
Gently remind folks to drink lots of water. Watch out for headaches, which arethe first signs of dehydration.
Water fights are okay if done in moderation; no fighting above rapids, no boarding other rafts. Be careful at close range, no face shots. Captured buckets
may be used three times against the customer/boatman who lost it, and thenreturned.
Boatman’s job is to keep things under control, keep it fun, and avoid any real
fights.
Keep a close watch on tube pressure and bleed off air when it becomes too tighton hot days. Tubes can burst in a relative short time if not regulated.
Avoid shouting and loud behavior, except in water fights. Memorize, and always be watching for, use, and pass-on the river hand/paddle signals to communicate
with the other boatman.
7/21/2019 Boatman Manual
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/boatman-manual 35/8035
Sometimes all boats need to pull out in unison, in which case the leader will lookat and/or point to each boatman at the put-in. The boatman will either give
“thumbs up” meaning ready to go, or flash a number of fingers which indicate thenumber of minutes needed to get ready. Ready means: boat off beach, all gear
tied in, lines coiled, secured, passengers in place with lifejackets on, and bow
person standing in water ready to shove off. When all boats are ready, the lead boat swings into current and each boat follows quickly and smartly in line, with
enough distance for safety. At put-ins near shove-off time, keep an eye on the
leader for signals. Watch the routes of the lead boat and for signals that indicateanother path or change of direction. But also read the water for yourself. If beached on a sandbar and unable to get free by any other means, have passengers
step to upstream side of boat while hanging on tightly and braced, ready to jump
back in.
Read and review this until you are very familiar and comfortable with it.
7/21/2019 Boatman Manual
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/boatman-manual 36/8036
BOATMEN’S REVIEW FOR EXTENDED RAFTING TRIPS
Being a boatman is a special experience; very few people ever have or take such
an opportunity. A good boatman has river skills, camp skills, and people skills, which he
or she is always improving upon. The review below is simply an outline of the major
details a boatman needs to be familiar with before going on an extended trip. This reviewcomes after many long hours on the river trying to run trips as smoothly and as efficiently
as possible. We encourage you to read it, think about it, and improve on it if you can.
Without good boatmen, the rafting trips fall apart; this is especially true on
extended river trips. Managing twenty-five to thirty people, all their gear, food, water,
their kitchen, bathroom, living room and sleeping area for twenty-fours hours a day overa four to eight day trip is quite an undertaking. Because of the close and out-of-the
ordinary living situation, feelings can become very intense very quickly. Good, honest
and sensitive communication is a number-one priority. It’s the leaders and boatmen’s
responsibility to set a very positive, warm, accepting, and friendly atmosphere. If there isanything you’re unsure of as a boatman, ask the leader and clarify it before costly
mistakes or embarrassments occur. OAP boatmen have always been very special people
and absolutely critical to the success of the entire program. Please let us know how we
can help you continue to be the special and important folks, which you are.
Below is part of our plan to run great trips with fun, excitement and relaxation
time for all. Without a solid plan of action and guidelines to follow, trips rapidlydeteriorate and people don’t enjoy them. We couldn’t possible list all the details, but we
did cover the major ones. If you have any additions/revision/misunderstanding, please let
us know.
In Camp
Plan to be on the river by approx. 9:00 am for most trips. All boatmen need to
have their gear packed and ready to load by the end of breakfast, usually 8:00 or8:30 am. This allows for all the boatmen to begin loading or transporting gear to
the rafts at the end of breakfast, and avoids rushing around and spoiling the quiet
morning atmosphere. It is important for the boatmen tasked with breakfast tohave their duffels packed, and river gear on prior to starting breakfast. If boatmen
are late for loading, the whole trip becomes late, and as you can lose planned
campsites to other groups on the river, the result could be eating a late dinner at10:00 pm.
Breakfast served about 07:00-7:30 am. Lunch at noon. Dinner served about5:00-6:00 pm.
Help to double-check, that everyone brings and fills their canteen at breakfast, before the water jugs are stowed away.
In the morning, just before shoving off there will be a briefing to review the day’sagenda and highlights. Ensure you are aware of the days agenda and time table.
Latrine (Joan) gets set up first thing at the take-out, and is the last thing takendown in the morning — about half an hour after breakfast. Remember to give alast call for the latrine before taking it down.
7/21/2019 Boatman Manual
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/boatman-manual 37/8037
Latrine set-up includes: Joan Tent, latrine (Joan), the ammo can with seat, toilet paper, soap, plastic bags, and a Paddle to hang up/out as the “in use” sign.
All trash and garbage goes in plastic bags which are later stored in coolers whenthey become empty.
Smash all cans and crush all boxes before putting in trash.
Fires generally are not used, and then only if firewood is plentiful; keep a full
water bucket alongside the fire pan, which will house the fire. All Ashes are packed out in an Ammo can.
Dirty dishwater will be strained, and then the food particles will be thrown intothe garbage prior to the water being thrown out. Dishwater will be disposed of
above the high water line.
During meals, if the wash or rinse water becomes too scuzzy, be sure to strain andthen replace it.
When working with food, wash hands, wear a shirt, clean and wipe down allutensils, pots, cutting boards as you go, keep food and kitchen appearances
appetizing.
Use cutting boards, not tables
Use coolers for food only, not personal gear.
Return all gear and equipment where it was found, e.g. repair kit, first aid kit.
Treat all gear and equipment gently (like it belongs to you) —don’t toss it around.
The OAP has a very small limited budget.
7/21/2019 Boatman Manual
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/boatman-manual 38/8038
Setting Up Camp
Upon arriving at camp for the evening, all boatmen help unload, set up thekitchen, and assist participants with their camps and tents if they need help.
Before boatmen set up their own tent and camp area, they need to clean,straighten up, inflate/deflate their boat. Be sure the boat is well beached andsecured with at least two solid tie-offs. All boats should be neat and tidy, with no
miscellaneous gear left inside. Boats should always be arranged to look sharp andorderly on shore.
Remind participants before you hit shore that all personal gear, and water bottlesmust come off boats, and the PFD’s/helmets should be clipped/tied into the rafts.
Participants and boatman often forget this.
Each boatman is responsible for his/her boat being clean, orderly, properly
inflated, tied up, etc. If a boat drifts quietly off and down the river at night, or a
wind blows away personal gear left onboard overnight, guess who is responsible?
Double check to see if you’re needed for the porta-potty, kitchen set-up and breakdown, or cooking.
Duties are spread out so that all are equally shared. When you are not on duty,your boat is taken care of, the trip leader is not in need of your assistance, you are
free to do as you please, and are encouraged to relax, read, play washers, and
enjoy the camp.
7/21/2019 Boatman Manual
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/boatman-manual 39/8039
CARE AND USE OF RAFTS
Do Not’s
1. Do not step on/in the raft when it is on dry land or out of the water unless you
have clean feet.2. Do not drag a raft; always lift or carry, especially over rocks.
3. Do not store or leave raft inflated in a hot environment without bleeding air or
cooling the tubes down with water.4. Do not pull a raft out of the bed of the truck without, a tarp being laid out
prior, or the area having been cleaned of rocks/sticks/debris.
Inflating/Deflating
1. Lay the raft on a smooth surface without sharp objects.
2. Do not walk on deflated the rafts — kneel on tubes to inflate.3. Partially inflate each air chamber before fully inflating all chambers completely.
Fill bottoms, thwarts, then side tubes.
4. Top off air chambers in the morning and bleed chambers, especially the thwart,
after air has expanded them on hot days. Stop adding air when the tube is drumtight. Why? Because as the temperature outside rises, the air pressure inside the
tube will rise. At drum tight, the pressure equals approximately two pounds per
square inch (psi) if filled during the cool of the morning. By late afternoon, thehot sun will cause the 2 psi to increase up to 8 psi. Rafts usually have a bursting
pressure between 10 and 13 psi. The drum tight method allows for air expansion
and will ensure fabric of raft is not excessively stressed.5. Deflate raft by opening floor air chambers, thwart air chambers, and then side
tubes air chambers simultaneously.
Patching
Follow these steps when applying a nylon-hypalon patch to a raft.
1. Cut a patch three to four inches wider and three to four inches longer than the
damaged area. It is best to use a continuous patch to cover the entire damage.
Avoid patching over seams; these usually leak.
2. When cutting patches, round the corners and bevel the edges on the cuts byangling the scissors.
3. Center each patch over the damage and draw the outline of the patch on the raft
with a felt pen. If the damage area is stretched out on a flat hard surface, the
patch will be much easier to apply.
4. Rough up the area of the outline plus one inch over the line. Remove any loose paint and clean any tape away from seams. Use tolulene during and after the
bugging because it acts as a paint remover and cleaning agent, and also softensthe material, which allows the glue to get a better grip. When using tolulene, be
very careful to work outdoors with plenty of fresh air, wear chemical resistant
gloves, and do not rub too much rubber off. Tolulene is Toxic! Thoroughly5. rough up the side of the patch that will face the raft. Use sandpaper or metal tool
for roughing up.
7/21/2019 Boatman Manual
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/boatman-manual 40/8040
6. With a rag, apply tolulene lightly to all roughed up surfaces, let all surfaces dry
completely.7. Realign patch over damaged area. Re-draw outline of patch on raft. Draw a line
at the 12:00 and 6:00 positions, one inch long, on the patch and overlapping onto
the raft for another one inch. (These marks will help in correct patch placement.)
8. Apply a thin coat of adhesive to the boat and the patch, and let dry until it is nolonger tacky to the touch. (Approximately ten minutes)
9. Apply a second coat. While the glue is still tacky and approximately five minutes
after applying, the two surfaces are ready to be joined.10. Align the one inch lines at 12:00 and 6:00 positions, press the patch on the boat
starting from the center and working towards the edge. The edge of the patch
must meet a roughed up and glued area, or there is a chance that the edge of the patch will lift.
11. Press the entire patch very hard with the edge of a blunt round tool or roller to
force out air bubbles.
12. Let the patch cure for at least four hours, preferably twelve to twenty-four hours.You may have to cover this patch with another larger patch if it leaks.
Hints
1. Always allow enough time for the glue to cure completely before fully inflating
the chamber. Duct tape can be used as a temporary patch on the river.
2. If the patch is too small, it will blister when the tube is inflated.3. If pressure is not maintained, trace the leak by painting the chamber with water
and marking the spot where bubbles appear. Then repair leaks.
4. If water gets into the chamber, it should be poured or siphoned out before patching.
5. When patching in the rain, set up a rain fly over your work area.
Rolling Up Raft
Items needed:
Two or more fresh buckets of water
Ten foot straps equivalent to the number of boats
Tarp large enough for raft to lay completely on
1. Clean and wash raft. It is best to have three people per boat. Lay the raft on a
clean surface to roll. Boatmen should have clean booties while rolling.2. Coil bow and stern lines and place inside raft.
3. Fold raft into thirds lengthwise.
4. Place strap, buckle first and upside down, four feet underneath bow.
5. Grab the bow of the folded raft and walk it to the stern. Place tip of bowapproximately 18 inches short of the stern tip.
6. Grab the fold and pull it up approximately three feet, then pull the new fold up
even with the stern.
7. Grab the buckle, insert the strap into the buckle and tighten.
8. Hand the end of the strap to the person loading the truck9. The person in the truck with strap in hand will call “Ready? One, Two, Three,
Lift” All will lift on command.
7/21/2019 Boatman Manual
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/boatman-manual 41/8041
7/21/2019 Boatman Manual
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/boatman-manual 42/8042
7/21/2019 Boatman Manual
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/boatman-manual 43/8043
7/21/2019 Boatman Manual
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/boatman-manual 44/8044
PERSONAL FLOATION DEVICES (PFD’s)
Federal regulations require personal Flotation Devices
Coast Guard regulations in Part 175 of Title 33, Code of Federal Regulations require
personal flotation devices in the following three situations:
1. No person may use a recreational boat less than 16 feet in length or a canoe orkayak unless at least one personal flotation device (PFD) of the following types is
on board for each person: 1) Type I PFD, 2) Type II PFD, 3) Type III PFD, or 4)
Type IV PFD.2. No person may use a recreational boat 16 feet or more in length, except a canoe or
kayak unless at least one personal flotation device of the following types is on
board for each person: 1) Type I PFD, 2) Type II PFD, 3) Type III PFD, or 4)Type IV PFD.
3. No person may use a recreational boat 16 feet or more in length, except a canoe or
kayak, unless at least one TYPE IV PFD is on board in addition to the PFD’s
required in paragraph 2.
There are Five Types of Personal Flotation Devices
Note: The following types of PFD’s are designed to perform as described in calm water
and when the wearer is not wearing any other flotation material (such as a wetsuit).
TYPE I — Has the greatest required buoyancy and is designed to turn most unconscious
persons in the water from a face down position to a vertical and slightly backward position and to maintain the person in the vertical and slight backward position and,
therefore, greatly increase his or her chances of survival. The Type I PFD is suitable for
all waters, especially for cruising on waters where there is a probability of delayed
rescue, such as large bodies of water where it is not likely that a significant number of boats will be in close proximity. The Type I PFD is the most effective of all the types,
and is recommended in rough water. The Type I PFD is the easiest to don in an
emergency because it is reversible and available in only two sizes--Adult (90 lbs. ormore) and Child (less that 90 lbs.), which are universal sizes (designed to fit all persons
in the appropriate category).
TYPE II — Is designed to turn the wearer to a vertical and slightly backward position in
the water. Turning action is not as pronounced as with a Type I and the device will not
turn as many persons under the same conditions as the Type I. The Type II is usuallymore comfortable to wear than the Type I. The Type II is normally designed for easy of
emergency donning and is available in the following sizes: Adults (more than 90 lbs) —
Medium Child (50-90 lbs) and two categories of Small Child (less than 50 lbs or
7/21/2019 Boatman Manual
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/boatman-manual 45/8045
less than 30 lbs). Additionally, some models are sized by chest size. You may prefer to
use the Type II where there is a probability of quick rescue such as areas where it iscommon for other persons to be engaged in boating, fishing, and other water activities.
TYPE III — Is designed so that the wearer can place himself or herself in a vertical and
slightly backward position, and the device will maintain the wearer in that position and
have no tendency to turn the wearer face down. A Type III can be the most comfortable,comes in a variety of styles which should be matched to the individual use, and is usually
the best choice for water sports, such as skiing, hunting, fishing, canoeing, and kayaking.
This type PFD normally comes in many chest sizes and weight ranges; however some
universal sizes are available. You may also prefer to use the Type III where there is a probability of quick rescue such as areas where it is common for other persons to be
engaged in boating, fishing and other water activities.
TYPE IV — is designed to be grasped and held by the user until rescued, as well as to bethrown to a person who has fallen overboard. While the Type IV is acceptable in place of
a wearable device in certain instances, this type is suitable only where there is a
probability of quick rescue such as areas where it is common for other persons to beengaged in boating, fishing and other water activities. It is not recommended for non-
swimmers and children.
TYPE V —PFD’s are approved only for certain boating activities. The label on the
device will show its approved uses, limitations, size, and performance type.
7/21/2019 Boatman Manual
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/boatman-manual 46/8046
Your Personal Floatation Device
You are required by Federal Regulation to have at least one Coast Guardapproved personal flotation device (PFD) for each person in your recreational boat. You
may not use your recreational boat unless all your PFD’s are in serviceable condition, are
readily accessible, are legibly marked with the Coast Guard approval number, and are of
an appropriate size (within the weight range and chest sizes marked on the PFD) for each person on board.
Each of these devices is intended to help you save your own liveFor your PFD to function properly follow these suggestions to ensure it fits,
floats, and remains in good condition.
1. Try your wearable PFD on and adjust it until it fits comfortably in and out of thewater.
2. Try your PFD out in the water. This will show you how it works and will give
you confidence when you use it. You should be aware your PFD might perform
differently under different conditions such as in swift water, with bulky clothing,etc.
3. Mark you PFD with your name if you are the only wearer.
4. Do not alter your PFD. If it doesn’t fit properly get one that does. An altered
device is no longer Coast Guard approved.5. Your PFD is not intended for use as a fender or kneeling pad.
6. Inspect your PFD periodically to ensure it is free of rips, tears, or holes, that the
flotation pads have no leaks, and all seams and joints are securely sewn.7. Keep you PFD away from sharp objects, which may rip the fabric or puncture the
flotation pads.
8. If your PFD contains kapok, the kapok fibers may become waterlogged and losetheir buoyancy after the vinyl inserts are split or punctured. When the kapok
becomes hard or if the kapok is soaked with water, the PFD is no longer
serviceable. It may not work when you need it and must be replaced.
9. If your PFD contains foam buoyant material, the foam may lose buoyancy from
compression, water absorption and other effects of use, to the degree that it is nolonger service able. The in-water performance of the device should therefore be
checked at the beginning of each season (more often if you subject it to frequentor very hard use) to determine it supplies enough flotation for your needs.
10. If your PFD is wet, allow it to dry thoroughly before storing it. Store it in a well-
ventilated area.
11. Do not dry your PFD on or near a radiator or other source of direct heat.12. If you must swim while wearing your PFD use back or sidestrokes.
Why do you need a PFD?
Your PFD provides buoyancy to help keep your head above the water and to help
you remain in a satisfactory position in the water. The average weight of an adult is only10 – 12 pounds in the water and the buoyancy provided by the PFD will support that
weight in the water. Unfortunately, your body weight does not determine how much youwill weight in the water. In fact, your weight in water changes slightly throughout the
day. There is no simple method of determining your weight in water. You should try the
device in the water to make sure it supports your weight and keeps your head and mouth
out of water. Remember, all straps, zippers, and tie tapes must be sewed and of coursethe PFD must be the proper size (size limitations are on the label).
7/21/2019 Boatman Manual
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/boatman-manual 47/8047
Things to consider about PFD’s
1. USCG approval of a PFD does not imply it is ideal for all uses. For instance,there are a number of PFDs, which are better suited for water skiing and others for
whitewater canoeing and kayaking. These and other PFDs are labeled
accordingly.
2. Some PFDs are more rugged and durable than others but usually cost more. Youshould evaluate the trade-offs, your intended use, and how often the PFD will
have to be replaced.
3. The use of most Type IV throw able PFDs usually require you to grasp the deviceuntil rescued, which could prove difficult if there is an extended delay or if you
are overcome by hypothermia (loss of body heat to the water). Also it implies
that if you find yourself in the water there will be someone available to throw it toyou.
7/21/2019 Boatman Manual
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/boatman-manual 48/8048
HOW TO USE THE RESCUE THROW BAG
The throw bag or safety rope is the effective and primary tool of rescue. It consists of a
stuff bag, 65 feet of proline, and a quick release strap. To be proficient in its use one
should practice throwing on both land and in a raft in moving water.
Steps for Use:
1. Detach the bag from the raft by squeezing the quick-release buckle.
2. Open the bag and grasp the hand loop. (Do not put your hand through the loop)
3. Grasp the bag with the throwing hand.4. Get the swimmer’s attention by yelling “Rope” or by blowing a whistle.
5. Try to hit the swimmer or get the bag just upstream of the swimmer.
6. Brace yourself and be ready to belay swimmer.
7. If you miss, retrieve the rope and looping half of it in your free hand and half of itin your throwing hand. Throw the coil in your throwing hand underhand and the
other coil will follow.
Never tie off the rope when throwing to a swimmer. The rope may become entangledaround a body part and need instant release.
To re-stuff the rescue throw bag:
1. Grab the lip of the rescue bag with your thumb on the inside and your middle
finger on the outside.2. Place the rescue line between your index finger and thumb; touch your index
finger to you thumb, enclosing line.
3. With the other hand, reach inside the bag beneath your thumb and grab the line
and pull the line to the bottom of the bag.
4. Continue repeating this movement until you reach the end of the line where theloop is located.
5. Leaving the loop outside the bag, close the bag securely. Re-attach rescue bag tothe raft.
7/21/2019 Boatman Manual
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/boatman-manual 49/8049
RIVER AND RAFTING TERMS
Above Up river from.
Alluvial Pertaining to material carried or laid down by running water.
Alluvium is the material deposited by streams. It includes gravel,sand, silt, and clay.
Back Ferry The maneuvering of a paddle boat, while facing downstream withthe paddlers paddling backwards, laterally across the current. A
right back ferry has the paddle boat facing down river toward the
right bank; a left back ferry has the paddle boat facing downrivertoward the left bank.
Back Pivot Turning the oar raft from a ferry angle to a stern downstream
position. Used in tight places to recover from an extreme ferryangle. This maneuver narrows the passing space of the boat and
allows it to slide closely past obstructions.
Backroller A broad reversal, such as that found below a dam or ledge.
Bar An accumulation of sand, gravel, or rock in the river channel or
along the banks.
Beam The width of a raft at its widest point.
Belay To wrap a line around a rock or tree so as to slow or stop slippage.
This technique allows one man to hold a line under great tension.
Below Down river from.
Big Water Large volume, fast current, big waves, often accompanied by huge
reversals and extreme general turbulence. The terms big water andheavy water are closely similar, but big water carries stronger
suggestions of immense volume and extreme violence.
Boat Raft. These words are interchangeable.
Boil A water current upwelling into a convex mound.
Bow The front of a boat.
Bow-In With bow pointed forward.
Broach To run a raft onto a rock, thus slowing or stopping movement of
the raft.
Cartwheeling Technique of spinning a raft just before a collision with a rock so
as to rotate the raft off and around the rock.
7/21/2019 Boatman Manual
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/boatman-manual 50/8050
CFS Cubic feet per second. Sometimes referred to as second feet. A
unit of water flow used to indicate the volume of water flowing persecond past any given point along a river.
Channel A raft able route through a section of river.
Chute A clear channel between obstructions, steeper and faster than the
surrounding water.
Confluence The point where two of more rivers meet.
Curier A high, step wave that curls or falls back onto it own upstreamface. Considered by most to be a form of reversal. See Reversal.
Double-Oar Oar boat rowing technique used to turn (or to prevent the turning
Pivot of ) a raft. Consists of simultaneously pulling on one oar while pushing the other.
Draw Stroke Paddling technique of moving the boat sideways by reaching away
from the side of the boat, placing the blade of the paddle into thewater, and pulling the paddle toward the boat. Opposite of Pry
Stroke.
D-Ring Metal, D-shaped ring attached to a raft and used to secure frames,
lines, rope thwarts, etc.
Drop An abrupt decent in a river.
Eddy A place where the current either stops or turns to head upstream.
Usually found below obstructions and on the inside of bends.
Eddy Cushion The layer of slack or billowing water that pads the upstream face
of rocks and other obstructions. See Pillow.
Eddy Line The sharp boundary at the edge of an eddy between two currents of
different velocity or direction. Usually marked by swirling water
and bubbles.
Falls A drop over which the water falls free at least part of the way.
Ferry A maneuver for moving a boat laterally across a current. Ferry
position, right or left, refers to which side the bow of the paddleboat, or which side the stern of an oar boat points. See also
Back Ferry and Reverse Ferry.
Flood Plain Portion of a river valley, adjacent to the river channel, which is
built of sediments deposited by the river and which is covered withwater when the river overflows its banks at flood stages.
Freeboard The distance from the water line to the top of the buoyancy tube.
Galloway Basic position for oar boats; the oarsman faces the bow, which
7/21/2019 Boatman Manual
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/boatman-manual 51/8051
Position is pointed downstream.
Grip The extreme upper end of a single-bladded paddle, shaped for
holding with the palm over the top.
Haystack A large standing wave caused by deceleration of current.
Heavy Water Fast current, large waves, usually associated with holes, boulders,
and general turbulence. See Big Water.
Hole A reversal. The term is generally applied to reversals of less than
river wide width.
Hung Up Said of a raft which is caught on but not wrapped around a rock or
other obstacle.
Hydraulic A reversal. This is a general term for reversals, and other places
where there is a hydraulic gap, a powerful current differential.
Sometimes used in the plural to refer to the whole phenomenon of
big water, where massive waves, violent currents, and large holesare the obstacles, rather than rocks.
Hypothermia A serious physical condition caused by a lowering of the core bodytemperature. Symptoms include lack of coordination, thickness of
speech, irrationality, blueness of skin, dilation of pupils, decreased
in heart and respiratory rate, extreme weakness, and uncontrolledshivering. Victims often become unconscious and sometimes die.
First aid: Quickly strip off wet clothes and surround victim skin-
to skin in a bare-body sandwich.
High Side Jump to the downstream side of the raft, fast! This command isused just before collisions with rocks and other obstructions. If a
crew is quick, the raft’s upstream side is lifted up in time to let thecurrent slide under, rather than into, the raft. This action often
prevents the raft from becoming wrapped, filled with water or
flipped.
Keeper A reversal capable of trapping a raft or swimmer for long periods.
Similar to but more powerful than a stopper.
Ledge The exposed edge of a rock stratum that acts as a low natural dam
or as a series of such dams.
Lining The use of ropes to work a boat down through a rapid from shore.
Log Jam A strainer dam of logs across a river. This dangerous phenomenon
is common on small streams in wooded country.
Oar Clip The clip is a “U” shaped piece of metal attached to the oar and the
And Pin pin is attached to the frame. The clip snaps onto the pin, whichresults in a “rowing setup”. Note: The clip towards stern: oar
towards bow. See Thole Pin.
7/21/2019 Boatman Manual
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/boatman-manual 52/8052
Oar Frame Same as a rowing frame.
Pillow The layer of slack water that pads the upstream face of rocks and
other obstructions. The broader the upstream face, the more ample
the pillow. Also called an eddy cushion.
Pivot Turning the raft from a ferry angle to a bow downstream position.
This narrows the passing space of the boat, allowing it to slideclosely past obstructions. Sometimes called a front pivot.
Pool A deep and quiet stretch of river.
Portegee Rowing technique of moving a OAR boat forward by pushing on
the oars.
Pry Stroke Paddling technique of moving a boat sideways away from the
paddle by placing the paddle blade next to the boat and pulling on
the handle while pushing the blade away. Opposite of a Draw
Stroke.
Rapid A fast, turbulent stretch of river, often with obstructions, but
usually without an actual waterfall.
Reversal A place where the current swings upward and revolves back on
itself, forming a treacherous meeting of currents that can drown
swimmers and slow, swamp, trap or fill rafts. Some reversals takethe form of flat, foamy, surface backflows immediately below
large obstruction just under the surface, while others consist of
steep waves that curl heavily back onto their own upstream faces.
Reversals are also called hydraulics, stoppers, keepers, whiteeddies, roller waves, back rollers, curlers, side curlers, souse holes
and most frequently, holes. Although most of these terms are used
loosely to refer to any sort of reversal, other carry more preciseshades of meaning and refer to certain types of reversals. Each of
these terms is discussed separately in this glossary.
Reverse Ferry A paddle technique where by the paddle boat is facing upstream at
a ferry position and is using a forward stroke to slow down and
move across the river. A reverse right ferry has the paddle boat
facing upstream with the bow pointed to the left, which is the right
bank, and all paddlers are paddling forward.
River Left When looking downstream, river left would be the left side of the
river; when looking upstream, and it would be the right side.
River Right When looking downstream, river right would be the right side of
the river; when looking upstream, it would be the left side.
7/21/2019 Boatman Manual
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/boatman-manual 53/8053
Rock Garden A rapid thickly strewn with exposed or partially covered rocks that
demand maneuvering.
Roller Wave A reversal. This term is used variously to mean curler and backroller.
Rowing Frame A rigid frame that provides a seat for the oarsman and allows the
raft to be controlled by large oars. It often also serves as a rack for
gear. Also called an oar frame.
Scout To examine a rapid from shore.
Section A portion of river located between two points; a stretch.
Shuttle The process of moving vehicles from the put-in to the take-out or
trip members in the reverse direction.
Sleeper Submerged rock or boulder just below the surface, usually marked
by little or no surface disturbance.
Sneak To take an easy route around a difficult spot. Often takes the formof maneuvering down one side of a big rapid in order to avoid the
turbulence in the center.
Stage Marker A gauge placed along a river shoreline that is calibrated in feet or
fractions thereof starting from an arbitrary zero point. Withappropriate conversion information, these readings may be
converted into CFS or, more important, raft ability ratings.
Staircase A stretch of river where the water pours over a series of drops that
resembles a staircase.
Standing Wave A wave caused by the deceleration of current that occurs when fast
moving water slams into slower moving water. Unlike oceanwaves, which sweep forward while the water in them remains
relatively still, merely rising and falling in place, these waves stand
in a fixed position while the water rushed through them. Theheight of these waves is measured vertically from the trough to the
crest.
Stern The rear of the boat.
Stopper A reversal powerful enough to stop a raft momentarily. Also called
a stopper wave. See Keeper.
Strainer Brush, fallen trees, bridge pilings, or anything else that allows thecurrent to sweep through but pins boats and boaters. These are
lethal.
Stretch A portion of river located between two points; a section.
Thole Pin An upright steel pin on a rowing frame that serves as a fulcrum, or pivot point, for the oar.
Throat In an oar or paddle, the point where the shaft meets the blade.
Tongue The smooth “V: of fast water found at the head of rapids.
7/21/2019 Boatman Manual
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/boatman-manual 54/8054
Trim The angle to the water at which a boat rides. The crew and gear
should be positioned so that the boat is level from side to side, andslightly heaver in the bow than in the stern.
Wetsuit A close fitting garment of neoprene foam that provides thermal
insulation in cold water.
Wrap Said of a raft pinned flat around or on a rock or other obstruction
by the current.
FOUR LINES OF DEFENSE AGAINST HYPOTHERMIA
THINK HYPOTHERMIA. If you are outdoors for recreation, you presumably do notintend to jeopardize your life. Hypothermia may be a new word to you, but it is the only
word that describes the rapid, progressive mental and physical collapse accompanying the
chilling of the inner core of the human body. Hypothermia is caused by exposure to cold,
aggravated by wet, wind and exhaustion. It is the number one killer of outdoorrecreationalist.
TAKE HEED OF HYPOTHERMIA WEATHER
Cold kills in two distinct steps. Step one is exposure and exhaustion. The moment your
body begins to lose heat faster than it produces it, you are undergoing exposure. Twothings happen; you voluntarily exercise to stay warm or your body makes involuntary
adjustments to preserve normal temperature in the vital organs. Either response drains
your energy reserves. The only way to stop the drain is to reduce the degree of exposure.
The time to prevent hypothermia is during the period of exposure and gradual exhaustion.
Step two is hypothermia. If exposure continues until your energy reserves are exhausted,
hypothermia results. Cold reaches the brain, depriving you of judgment and reasoning power. You will not realize this is happening. You will lose control of your hands.Your internal temperature is sliding downward. Without treatment, this slide leads to
stupor, collapse, and death.
YOUR FIRST LINE OF DEFENSE: AVOID EXPOSURE
1. STAY DRY. When clothes get wet, they lose about 90% of their insulating
value. Wool loses less; cotton and synthetics lose more.2. BEWARE OF THE WIND. A slight breeze carries heat away from the bare skin
much faster than still air. Wind drives cold air under and through clothing. Wind
refrigerates wet clothes by evaporating moisture from the surface. Wind
multiplies the importance of staying dry.3. UNDERSTAND THE COLD. Most hypothermia cases develop in air
temperatures between 30 and 50 degrees. Most outdoorsmen simply can’t
4. Believe such temperatures can be dangerous. They fatally underestimate the
danger of being wet at such temperatures. 50 degree water is unbearably cold.
The cold that kills is cold water running down neck and legs; cold water heldagainst the body by sopping clothes; cold water flushing body heat from the
surface of the clothes. Don’t ask, “How cold is the air?” Ask instead, “How cold
is the water against my body?”
7/21/2019 Boatman Manual
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/boatman-manual 55/8055
5. USE YOUR CLOTHES. Put on rain gear before you get wet. Put on wool
clothes before you start shivering.
YOUR SECOND LINE OF DEFENSE: TERMINATE EXPOSURE
1. If you cannot stay dry and warm under existing weather conditions, use the
clothes you have with you, and attempt to terminate exposure.2. Be smart —discontinue the activity to insure group’s safety.
3. Get out of the wind and rain. Build a fire. Concentrate on making your camp or
bivouac as secure and comfortable as possible.4. Never ignore shivering. Persistent or violent shivering is a clear warning that you
are on the verge of hypothermia. Make camp.
5. Forestall exhaustion. Make camp while you still have a reserve of energy. Allowfor the fact that exposure greatly reduces your normal endurance. You may think
you are doing fine when the fact that you are exercising is the only thing
preventing your going into hypothermia. If exhaustion forces you to stop,
however briefly:
Your rate of body heat production instantly drops by 50% or more.
Violent, incapacitating shivering may begin immediately.
You may slip into hypothermia in a matter of minutes.
6. Appoint a foul weather leader. Make the best-protected member of your partyresponsible for calling a halt before the least-protected member becomesexhausted or goes into violent shivering.
YOUR THIRD LINE OF DEFENSE: DETECT HYPOTHERMIA
If your party is exposed to wind, cold and wet, think hypothermia. Watchyourself and others for symptoms.
1. Uncontrollable fits of shivering.
2. Vague, slow, slurred speech.
3. Memory lapses; incoherence.4. Immobile; fumbling hands.
5. Frequent stumbling; lurching gait.6. Drowsiness (to sleep is to die).7. Apparent exhaustion; inability to get up after a rest.
YOUR FOURTH AND LAST LINE OF DEFENSE: TREATMENTThe victim may deny he is in trouble. Believe the symptoms, not the patient.
Even mild symptoms demand immediate, drastic treatment.
1. Get the victim out of the wind and rain.2. Strip off all wet clothes.
Give him warm drinks if he is fully conscious.
Get him into dry clothes and a warm sleeping bag. Well-wrapped, warm (not
hot) rocks or canteens will hasten recovery.3. If the patient is semiconscious or worse:
Try to keep him awake.
Leave him stripped. Put him in a sleeping bag with another person (alsostripped). If you have a double bag, put the victims between two warmth
donors. Skin to skin contact is the most effective treatment.
4. Build a fire to warm the camp.
7/21/2019 Boatman Manual
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/boatman-manual 56/8056
RIVER RESCUE
One of the most important areas of any rafting program lies in the ability of the trip
leader and individual boatmen to perform effective rescues while on the river. This is
becoming even more important as the number of users on the rivers increase, which
elevates the level of liability our programs are subjected to. With proper training, agreater awareness of the river and rescue situations can be achieved resulting in a
decrease in risk to our patrons and our programs.
This course outline will help point out the components of an effective river rescue
program. Many key elements will be addressed in a progressive manner starting with the
most basic guidelines, and concluding with the most involved procedures. The followingareas will be covered.
Trip Preparation
OrganizationScouting
Leadership
Emergency Action
Self-RescueBoat Retrieval
Throw Bags
EntrapmentsVictim Stabilization
Boat Removal
Haul SystemsTelfer Lower
While some of these areas may seem very general, they each contribute to a complete
program. Failure to become familiar with each area could result in situations on the river
in which gear and lives be lost.I. Trip Preparation — This is one of the most important areas because by
looking at all the components, problems can be anticipated and usuallyavoided.
A. Gear — Always make sure you are using the proper gear and it is in
good condition. This is one of the areas you have almost completecontrol over, which offers security while on the river.
B. Physical Condition — Patrons many times will be lacking in this area.
But by staying physically fit, you can react fast and compensate in a
rescue situation.
C. River Information — Always keep track of the most current informationon the river you will be running. This includes maps and guidebooks
published on the area as well as current flows and reports from thelocal agencies that monitor the river.
D. Clothing — Make sure all patrons and boatmen are properly outfitted
with clothing and life jackets to ensure maximum safety and comfort.This will depend on weather, water temperature, and river difficulty.
E. Rescue Gear — In order to be prepared, each boatman should ideally
carry two prusiks, two carabiners (or have them in/on their raft), aknife, a whistle, and have a rescue bag close at hand. A larger supply
of gear is carried on the sweep boat to include the following:
7/21/2019 Boatman Manual
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/boatman-manual 57/8057
i. Ropes — Two sections of 11 mm rope, 100 to 150 feet in
length, for use in major rescues.ii. Prusiks — Between six and eight 2 foot loops of 6, 7, or 8 mm
rope used in the Z-Drag components.
iii. Pulleys — Two or three pulleys used to assist in Z-Drag.
iv. Carabiners — Six locking-D carabiners and six oval carabinersall used as anchor point clips-ins or Z-Drag components.
v. Webbing — Six to eight sections of one-inch tubular webbing
used as anchor points and in a Telfer Lower construction.vi. Seat Harness
vii. Figure Eight
II. Organization — This is one area that many times gets out of control. As
the day progresses, people forget their order on the river and let their skills
soften because of fatigue or lack of interest. Boatmen should always be
aware of the possibility of accidents occurring at any time and shouldnever let the group become disorganized.
A. Establish a Lead and Sweep boats — by doing this you are guaranteed
to have experienced individuals at the two key places. Also, put your boats in order. This will ensure proper spacing as they go through
rapids, and allow for placement of experienced individuals throughout
the group.B. Know where equipment is — Everyone needs to know where the First
Aid kit and rescue gear are located. They also need to be familiar with
the gear.C. Know Put-In and Take-Out times — This allows individuals to predict
when a group should be arriving and plan for emergencies.
III. Scouting — Scouting is an important tool to use when the rapids are
unfamiliar to the group or when water levels have changed the nature ofthe run. Always use the knowledge of the trip leader to help direct other
boats through difficult areas.
IV. Leadership — The leader of any trip must act in a dual role. He plays not
only the part of guide for the patrons, but also the chief safety monitor for
the trip. The important thing here is that a leader for the trip beestablished, and that, that person is always in control.
V. Emergency Action — This area will outline a series of steps to be used in
the event a rescue situation should occur.
A. Assess Information — Look at the scene and all the components
involve. Be aware of not only the current problem, but also those,which may result from the situation at hand.
B. Communicate the Problem — Talk to the individuals who will beinvolved in the rescue and don’t forget to communicate to the victim
also.
C. Determine a Method of Rescue — Take the information, which has
been gathered, and determine the safest method possible.
7/21/2019 Boatman Manual
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/boatman-manual 58/8058
D. Organize the Action — The leader should be the one to oversee theoperation. He should be able to give direction to the whole group and
not be tied down into any one area in particular.
VI. Self-Rescue — The self-rescue is the first step in saving yourself when you become separated from your boat.
A. Hang Onto Your Boat — If possible, hang onto the craft. This provides buoyancy and will aid others in retrieving you. Always remember to
stay on the upstream side of the boat, avoiding the possibility of
becoming pinned between the boat and an obstacle.
B. Position — If you are away from your craft, lie on your back with your
feet raised and pointing downstream. This allows you to see where you
are going and protect your head from obstacles.
C. Swimming — If you are heading for a hazardous area the first line of
defense is to swim aggressively to an eddy, or away from any danger.
D. Strainers — When approaching a strainer change your position to head
first and try to climb up and over the obstruction.
VII. Boat Retrieval — Boat retrieval is usually an involved process that will call
for different actions in different situations. This is why it is important to
stay with your boat whenever possible.
VIII. Throw Bags — These are the most useful tools in any rescue situation and
should always be accessible in each boat. Boatmen and patrons should all
be briefed on how to use them and be given an opportunity to practice
with them. Be sure the three techniques — underhand, side arm, andoverhand — are all practiced and used effectively. Also remember the bags
should never be tied to the individual who is throwing it. This could resultin pulling the rescuer into the hazard where the swimmer is.
IX. Entrapments — This is an area of particular concern because entrapmentsusually put a person into a situation where water will flow over him and
the craft. It is of great importance to stabilize these victims immediately.
A. Foot and Body Entrapments — These types of entrapments occur when
a foot or entire body becomes lodged in a constriction between twoobjects. The water will usually be forceful enough to push the person
down creating a hazardous situation. It is for this reason walking inmoving water, no matter how calm, should be discouraged.
B. Boat Entrapments — This is an area, which deals mainly with kayaksand their users. Anyone practicing in-river rescue techniques should
become familiar with the two types of entrapment — vertical pins and
broaches — and be able to deal with them in an effective manner.
7/21/2019 Boatman Manual
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/boatman-manual 59/8059
X. Victim Stabilization — This is always the first concern in any situation.
The ability to ensure a victim is breathing is critical because in a matter ofminutes the victim’s life could be lost.
A. Tag Line —A tag line is used to raise a victim’s upper body above the
water level. A life jacket or other padding may help to give theindividual buoyancy and comfort.
B. Rope Ferry — The technique used to get the rope across the river willvary for different situations, depending on the width and flow of the
river. Rope ferrying needs to be practiced so a group acts together in a
quick effective manner.
C. Strong Swimmer Rescues — These four types of rescues all require a
rescuer to enter the area of hazard with little protection. They are very
quick to set up but should be looked at carefully by the group.
1. Direct Lower — If a point can be located directly upstream from the
accident sight, a rescuer can be lowered to the area.
2. Tethered Swimmer — A rescuer can ferry a rope across to anaccident site by swimming with the rope attached to his body.
Always use a quick release harness or a large loop to attach the
rope to the swimmer. This will allow for easy removal of thesystem in the event the swimmer becomes entangled.
3. Fixed Rope — This is a tight line at water level, which allows a
rescuer to travel hand over hand to the accident site. A Z-Drag isused to tighten the rope.
4. Zip Line — This is also a tight line at water level but it is placed at
an angle to the current. This allows the current to pull the rescuer
across the river and to the site of the accident.
XI. Boat Removal — This can be a very difficult area requiring a great amountof strength and a working knowledge of water flow.
A. Backup Line — Whenever removing any type of boat from any
situation, be sure to tie a backup line to it. This will prevent it fromfloating off if it should unexpectedly become free.
B. Armstrong Technique — This is the simplest technique requiring
individuals to work from within the boat or on the obstacle to free it.
C. I.A.P. — The ideal angle of pull is the direction of pull that will be most
effective in removing the pinned craft. This direction will usuallyhave to be found by experimenting with different angles.
D. Point of Attachment — Key points are located on boats for attaching ahaul rope. Try to use a D-ring or several D-rings to pull with.
Sometimes by attaching to a point below the surface of the water a
better I.A.P. can be achieved.
7/21/2019 Boatman Manual
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/boatman-manual 60/8060
XII. Haul Systems — Haul systems allow for individuals and groups toeffectively generate enough force to pull a stuck craft from its position.
A. Ten Boy Scouts — This method simply implies having more people
pulling on a rope until the craft comes loose.
B. Z-Drag — When space and manpower is limited, a system can be
created that will allow several people to exert and incredible amount of pull on any given object. The system uses the rescue gear mentioned
previously and allows different mechanical advantages to be used
according to the amount of pull needed.
C. Vector Pull — After establishing an amount of force on a particular
object, another haul system can be used. By applying force to the haul
rope perpendicularly to the existing force, greater mechanicaladvantage and a more favorable I.A.P. may be achieved.
XIII. Telfer Lower — The Telfer Lower is the final system used in rescue
situations. It is difficult and time consuming to set up but may be requiredto perform a particular rescue. The system involves lowering an entire
boat down to the accident site so a working platform can be established in
which to work from. In order to accomplish this the entire group musthave a working knowledge of how the entire system works and also work
together effectively as a team.
While many of the systems mentioned here are self-explanatory, many are not.
Proper training along with practice is essential to the understanding of river rescue
and its different components.
7/21/2019 Boatman Manual
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/boatman-manual 61/8061
7/21/2019 Boatman Manual
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/boatman-manual 62/8062
7/21/2019 Boatman Manual
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/boatman-manual 63/8063
RIVER INFORMATION
Snake River, Bliss SectionClass/Level Length Gradient Time
II+/High 6.5 Miles 8 FPM ½ Day
II/MediumII/Low
Put-in/Elevation Lower Salmon Falls Dam/2725FtTake-Out/Elevation Relish/2675Ft
Shuttle 5 Miles
Time/Distance/Points of ReferencePut-In Lower Salmon Dam
Put-In Malad
________ Surf Wave (POR) ________ Power Plant (POR)
________ Pillar
________ Big Eddy
________ Lefty Louie ________ S-Turn
________ Snake River Pottery
Take-Out RelishTake-Out Surprise
South Fork of the Boise River, “Canyon Run”Class/Level Length Gradient Time
III/600-1800 CFS 16 Miles 26 FPM 4 Hours
III-IV/<1800 CFS
Put-in/Elevation Danskin Bridge/3640 Ft
Take-Out/Elevation Neal Bridge/3200 Ft Shuttle 21 Miles
Time/Distance/Points of Reference
Put-In Danskin Bridge ________ Old Bridge Pilings (POR)
________ Canyon Beginning (POR)
________ Screaming Left
________ Dynamite
________ Nixon Rock (POR) ________ Devils Hole (Also known as Raspberry Rapid)
________ Fiddlers Flats ________ Chutes
________ Cave
Take-Out Neal Bridge
7/21/2019 Boatman Manual
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/boatman-manual 64/8064
RIVER INFORMATION
South Fork of the Payette River, “Staircase Run”
Class/Level Length Gradient TimeIII/200-800CFS 5 Miles 32FPM 3 Hours
III-IV/800-1800CFS
IV/<1800CFS
Put-in/Elevation Deer Creek Turnout/2950Ft
Take-Out/Elevation Banks/2790Ft Shuttle 5 Miles
Time/Distance/Points of Reference
Put-In Deer Creek Turnout ________ Bronco Billy
________ Dogleg
________ Right n Tight
________ Surf Wave (POR) ________ Staircase
________ Slalom
Take-Out Confluence (@ Banks)
Main Payette RiverClass/Level Length Gradient Time
I-III/600-4000CFS 8 Miles 13FPM 3 Hours
III+/<4000CFS
Put-in/Elevation Banks/2970FtTake-Out/Elevation Beehive Bend/2700Ft Shuttle 8 Miles
Time/Distance/Points of Reference
Put-In Confluence (@ Banks)
________ White Water 101 ________ White Water 102
________ Bikini Beach (POR)
________ Two Dogs (Also known as GLOYF)
________ Hotel Rock (Also Bennett’s Rock)
________ Mike’s Hole ________ Chief Parish (Also Barking Dog)
________ Mixmaster ________ AMF
Take-Out Beehive Bend (Take Out for Low Water, >3000CFS)
________ Gardena Bridge (POR) ________ Toilet Bowel (POR)
________ Climax
Take-Out Horseshoe Bend (High Water Take-Out, add 1 Hour)
7/21/2019 Boatman Manual
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/boatman-manual 65/8065
RIVER INFORMATION
North Fork of the Payette River, “Cabarton Section”
Class/Level Length Gradient Time
I-III/100-300CFS 10 miles 21FPM 4 HoursI-IV/<3000CFS
Put-in/Elevation Cabarton Bridge/4700FtTake-Out/Elevation Cougar lodge/4510Ft
Shuttle 11 Miles
Time/Distance/Points of ReferencePut-In Cabarton Bridge
________ Trestle
________ Wet Spot ________ Rainbow Bridge (POR)
________ Double Dip
________ Howards Plunge
Take-Out Cougar Lodge
CBA’S
C= See where you are, what is around you.
B= Be where you should be, where Russ wants you to be.
A= Attitude (Have the raft in proper position)
7/21/2019 Boatman Manual
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/boatman-manual 66/8066
Absolutes
Never leave knots (k) in the retrieval end of the rescue rope.
Never tighten a locking carabineer (c) while it is under a load.
Do not panic (p): At least give the impression of a cool head toset an example for others.
Do not neglect the upstream side (u) of the rescue scene. Stop
others from entering the same hazard area. Before attempting a strong swimmer rescue (s), you must decide
if you are willing to face the risks, and are capable of dealing
with those risks.
Never dive headfirst (h) into any river.
Always perform a complete equipment check (e) beforedeparting on the river. This includes throwing your throw bag.
When performing a rescue operation, always ensure that you
have a foolproof downstream rescue (d) outlet
In a rescue situation, never become an additional victim (v). In a rescue situation, always wear your gear (g), life jacket and
helmet no matter what your role is.
Never stand (s) on the downstream side of the haul line.
(KC PUSHED VG’S)
7/21/2019 Boatman Manual
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/boatman-manual 67/8067
LEADERSHIP ROLES
Leader: (Incident Commander) Controls Scene, Delegates positions, may not bethe most technically competent person at the scene. Sometimes during Medical
Emergencies, the Senior Medic may have to fill the role until someone else canrelieve him.
Rigger: (Logistics’ Guy) Ties, and Supervises Mechanical Advantages. Sets upand monitors Rescue & Delivery Systems.
Rescuer: (Actual Rescuer) This may be one person or a group of people.
Individuals may be hanging/pulling on ropes, managing a stokes litter, or brokeninto several smaller group.
Gofer: (Jack of All Trades) Assists with many roles. Keeps updates on all personal & equipment. Manages Communications, Liaison between all other
roles and the Leader.
Up Stream Safety: Person, or a group of people responsible for securing, andkeeping additional personal, or equipment from entering the hazard, or the
accident scene. Usually up stream from the incident, near a good eddy, where boaters can be notified in time to eddy out prior to entering the hazard or accident
scene. (Always have a Whistle and Rescue Bag as a minimum.)
Down Stream Safety: Person or group of people responsible for establishing aFool Proof Rescue Outlet, with a back up plan. (Always have a Whistle and
Rescue Bag as a minimum.)
(DU JAIL)
7/21/2019 Boatman Manual
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/boatman-manual 68/8068
Notes
7/21/2019 Boatman Manual
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/boatman-manual 69/8069
Notes
7/21/2019 Boatman Manual
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/boatman-manual 70/8070
Notes
7/21/2019 Boatman Manual
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/boatman-manual 71/8071
7/21/2019 Boatman Manual
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/boatman-manual 72/8072
7/21/2019 Boatman Manual
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/boatman-manual 73/8073
7/21/2019 Boatman Manual
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/boatman-manual 74/8074
7/21/2019 Boatman Manual
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/boatman-manual 75/8075
7/21/2019 Boatman Manual
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/boatman-manual 76/8076
7/21/2019 Boatman Manual
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/boatman-manual 77/8077
7/21/2019 Boatman Manual
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/boatman-manual 78/8078
7/21/2019 Boatman Manual
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/boatman-manual 79/8079
7/21/2019 Boatman Manual
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/boatman-manual 80/80