John Snitzer assembled a group of 11 paddlers at Anglers on a brutally hot day to go over some basic safety routines - based on the sort of river problems we actually encounter - Z-Drag, nah. Hand-of-God - not so much.
Present were Miki, Ed G, Jeannine, Linda B, Alf, Tim, Cotton, Wayne, Craig, and Mark B. Level was 3.19 ft.
Salient points from leaders point of view: swimming and rescuing swimmers are the most frequent incidents the Thursday group has on the river. Practicing these simple functions makes each paddler better prepared and more skilled for our next swim. Since communications can be a problem on the river, learning and using the ACA signals would make our trips better organized and safer.
Into the Maryland Chute we forged in groups of three - one would tip over, the other would rescue the man, and the third would be on hand - and then go after the swamped boat. The beach below is perfect for haul-out and post-mortems. We pointed with our paddles, and agreed that for whistling - one blast and multiple blasts - were all we should need.
Cotton, Ed, Jeannine, and John attained to Wet Bottom. John says: Hugely exhausting. I came home and took a nap. Think I will add attaining to my training program. For those wanting to join us for our next safety class - you have been warned.