River Sense - Summer
Youth Program
at Glacier Raft Company

Mission of the River Sense Program

River Sense is a program designed to develop responsible practices in our future river enthusiasts.  Safety of participants is our number one concern. Our instructors are all certified in First Aid/CPR as well as Whitewater Rescue Technicians through Rescue 3 International. The primary instructor is an independent River Rescue Instructor for Rescue 3 International as well as an American Canoe Association Raft Guide Instructor. Additionally, we keep the ratio of students to instructors at or below 8:1. We look forward to having you join us for some fun on the river!

River Sense Level 1 (Ages 9-12)

This is a one-day course designed to introduce kids to a moving water environment and identify dangers while stressing safety. The course takes place on the Middle Fork of the Flathead between West Glacier and Blankenship Bridge on a thrilling raft trip! Under supervision, kids will have the opportunity to practice self-rescue techniques in a fun, controlled environment. The goal is to develop an awareness in each participant that might save themselves or a friend should an emergency arise.

Course Cost: $90
Course Dates & Times: July 29      9 am – 4 pm

• Classroom talk about Hydrology and Hazards in the River


• Offensive and Defensive swimming techniques, emphasis on Self-Rescue


• Throw bagging – Kids will practice receiving the throw bag and getting towed to shore.


• Log Strainer Swim – Woody debris is the biggest hazard in western rivers, knowing how to safely avoid them is critical!

River Sense Level 2 (Ages 12-14)

This is a one-day course designed for kids who are starting to get out
with friends in the river environment. This course teaches basic river skills and gives an introduction to rescue techniques. Participants will have the opportunity to swim in moving water and practice self-rescue techniques in a controlled environment. This course will take place on an exciting raft trip down the whitewater stretch between Moccasin Cr. and West Glacier on the Middle Fork of the Flathead. The overall goal is to help kids develop awareness of hazards and ways to pre-plan in order to prevent emergencies. 
Course Cost: $90
Course Dates & Times: July 30       9 am – 4 pm

• Classroom talk about Hydrology and Hazards in the River


• Offensive and Defensive swimming techniques, emphasis on Self-Rescue


• Throw bagging – Kids will practice receiving the throw bag and getting towed to shore.


• Log Strainer Swim – Woody debris is the biggest hazard in western rivers, knowing how to safely avoid them is critical!


• Shallow Water Crossings – Practice various techniques of crossing streams and accessing someone in trouble.

River Sense Level 3 (High School age)

This is a two-day course designed for high school age teens. It is modeled after a swiftwater rescue program with emphasis on self-rescue and planning for safety. In addition to the skills learned in the level 1 & 2 courses, students will also work on simple rope rescue systems and working through rescue scenarios. Students will also have the ability to practice swimming and catching eddies in whitewater. Additionally, participants will have the opportunity to help set up a tension diagonal (a water-based “zip-line”) for moving across a current. The course takes place on the whitewater stretch of the Middle Fork of the Flathead between Moccasin Cr. and West Glacier. This is a great course for an aspiring river guide or outdoorsman!
Course Cost: $150
Course Dates & Times: July 31 - Aug 1       9 am – 4 pm

• Classroom talk about Hydrology and Hazards in the River


• Offensive and Defensive swimming techniques, emphasis on Self-Rescue


• Throw bagging – Students will practice receiving the throw bag and getting towed to shore.


• Log Strainer Swim – Woody debris is the biggest hazard in western rivers, knowing how to safely avoid them is critical!


• Shallow Water Crossings – Practice various techniques of crossing streams and accessing someone in trouble.


• Rescue Scenarios – Scenarios are based on potential issues in the whitewater environment.


• Rope Rescue Techniques – Students learn knots and mechanical advantage systems.


• Advanced River Swimming – Students get to swim bigger rapids to develop better whitewater swimming skills and confidence in the water.

		Price	Dates
	level 1 (ages 9-12)	$90*	July 29
	level 2 (ages 12-14)	$90*	July 30
	level 3 (high school)	$150*	July 31 - Aug 1

* prices do not include 7% service fee

Equipment Needed

• Swimsuit


• Fun Attitude

*All courses include a lunch provided by the Glacier Outdoor Center. Lunches vary by day and vary from PB&J’s to deli style sandwiches to hot dogs. There is a five person minimum for a class to take place.