Please note that due to high or low water levels this session may be cancelled last minute. As much notice will be given as possible but due to sudden adverse changes in weather or river levels safety must be prioritised. Please only book onto this event if you are aware and ok with event cancellations on or part way through the weekend, even after travelling.
The session costs £20 for the two full days.
Numbers for this course are limited and based on suitability. Please only book onto this session if you have received club pal communications or held a conversation with Aidan.
Pre-requisites
- Have attended an introduction to White Water Paddling at HPP.
This introductory two-day course is designed for club members who want to develop a basic understanding of white water safety and gain confidence in dealing with common situations on the river.
Day 1 – Introduction to White Water Safety
Through practical, hands-on activities, you will be introduced to essential skills including aggressive and defensive swimming, helping you understand how to move safely and effectively in moving water. You will also explore basic rescue techniques, including simple ways of assisting others, and learn how to safely and effectively use a throwline.
The course will also cover key river signals and communication, helping you better understand how paddlers communicate hazards, directions and information while on the water.
Day 2 – River Trip and Putting Skills into Practice
The second day will involve an introductory Grade 2/3 river trip, where we will have the opportunity to put some of the skills developed during the course into a real river environment. The trip is likely to be from Cotherstone to Barnard Castle on the River Tees, subject to water levels and conditions on the day.
This will provide an opportunity to practise communication, river awareness and basic rescue techniques in context, while developing your understanding of how these skills can support safer decision-making and help us look after one another on the water.
This is an opportunity to develop your awareness, build confidence and gain a better understanding of how to look after yourself and others when paddling on white water. No previous rescue experience is required—the course is aimed at club members looking to develop a solid foundation in white water safety in a supportive and practical environment.
Topics covered:
- Aggressive and defensive swimming
- Safe movement and positioning in moving water
- Basic rescue techniques
- Throwline safety and practical use
- River signals and communication
- Developing awareness of hazards and safe decision-making
- Applying these skills during a Grade 2/3 river trip
Please note that this is an introductory course designed to provide a basic foundation in white water safety and is not intended as a formal rescue qualification.
This is not a Paddle Sport UK official course. Courses such as Introduction to White Water Safety, White Water Safety and Advanced White Water Safety can be found on the Paddles Up training website. If you want to further your learning after this session these courses would be the next step.
Location
It would be advisable to book a campsite or B&B close to Barnard castle. After Day 1 it is likely that we will go for dinner and drinks at the Three Horseshoes. There a re a couple of pubs in Barnard castle that do pub stop overs for vans. If possible it may be better to travel on Friday evening.
Day 1 - We will be based at a static location on the River Tees throughout the whole day, it is approximately two hours away and around a 30 minute drive from Barnard Castle.
We will meet in Low Force Layby at 8:30. Alternatively you can park in Bowlees visitor centre car park if the lay by is full. Please speak to Aidan if you require further details regarding the location.
Session
Part 1 - The first half of the day we will based on land looking at river safety, river signals, throwlines and what to do in the event of swimming or seeing a swimmer. Normal outdoor wear will be required. Please take clothes for all types of weather, remember it is October and may be raining. A good set of waterproofs may be required for the first half of the day.
Early Lunch
Part 2 - Safe Swimming Techniques.
This session will require a lot of swimming. You will need to be prepared to be in the water, a lot!
You will need:
- Clothing for doing lots of swimming, ideally a dry suit. A wet suit and cag is suitable but you will be in and out of cold water all afternoon.
- Appropriate footwear (it is very rocky). Wet suit shoes are not appropriate as they do not have enough grip.
- Buoyancy aid
- Helmet
- Lunch
- Snacks
- Drinks (Hot and Cold)
- Spare, warm, dry clothing!
- Mobile Phone (in a waterproof case)
- Kayak
- Paddle
- Spray Deck
Optional Items (we will have plenty on the day so please do not feel you need to go out and buy!)
- 15/20m throwline (probably best to try a few out before you buy)
- Knife
- 5m tape or sling
- Screw gate HMS Karabiners
- Changing robe
- Whistle
Day 2
The Cotherstone to Barnard Castle section of the River Tees offers an excellent opportunity to put your developing white water safety skills into practice in a real river environment. This enjoyable journey follows a scenic stretch of the Tees through the Durham Dales, combining easier moving water with a range of features that require good river awareness, communication and decision-making.
Generally suited to paddlers comfortable on Grade 2 water, the section can provide Grade 2/3 challenges depending on water levels and conditions. Throughout the trip, we will encounter moving water, rapids and eddies, providing opportunities to practise skills introduced during the course in context.
The focus will not simply be on getting from the start to the finish. We will use the river as a learning environment to explore river signals, group communication, identifying hazards, safe swimming, choosing appropriate lines and basic rescue techniques. Where suitable and safe to do so, there will be opportunities to stop and discuss features, consider safe positioning and put some of our newly developed skills into practice.
The aim is to provide a fun, supportive and practical introduction to applying white water safety skills while enjoying one of the North East's most popular stretches of river.
A risk assessment for the event will be available from the ‘Governance’ tab under ‘Risk Assessments’.
Note that there are no changing facilities at the location, a changing robe works well.
Under 18’s must have a parent or appropriate adult for the duration of the session.
Children will only be released into the care of their responsible adult.
The Organising Committee of the White Water - Safe Swimming session believe that the welfare and wellbeing of all children is paramount. All children, regardless of age, disability, gender, race, religion or belief, have equal rights to safety and protection. All suspicions, concerns and allegations of harm will be taken seriously and responded to swiftly and appropriately. A welfare officer for the event has been appointed and will act as the point of contact for any concerns or allegations.
Kind regards,
Aidan
