Safety Weekend

 

   Safety Weekend 2012  

 
Save the Date!   July 14 - 15, 2012  at Fisherman's Bend State Park on the N. Santiam River,
two miles west of Mill City, Oregon on Hwy 22  
 
  

Registration materials will likely be posted here about May 1.  
 
Check back in the spring for more information.
 

    

Frequently Asked Questions about Safety Weekend

 
1. What is Safety Weekend?
Safety Weekend is a non-certification series of instruction offered annually by the Willamette Kayak and Canoe Club (WKCC). Each year approximately 15-20 volunteers organize, facilitate, and instruct a two-day agenda that emphasizes and illustrates ways of staying safe on whitewater. A limit of 40 participants of varying levels and styles of boating learn and practice rescue skills. Fees for the event cover the cost of camping, an instruction manual, and four meals during the event: Saturday lunch and dinner; Sunday breakfast and lunch, and also great snacks.
 
2.  What time does Safety Weekend start and finish?
Check-in begins promptly at 8:00 AM Saturday.  Activities will begin promptly at 9:00 AM.
The course ends around 5:00 pm Sunday.
 
3.  When are campsites available?
Campsites will be available from 2:00 pm Friday until checkout time at 1:00 pm Monday.
 
4. What will I need for Safety Weekend?
  • Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs) and HELMETS are mandatory for all river activities!!
  • Cotton clothing not allowed on/in the river – choose from suggested list below 1
  •  If you have them, please bring personal throw bags, paddles and carabiners. 
    • Be certain to mark them so that they are recognizable as your property
  • Rain gear and warm clothes if forecasts indicate possible bad weather
  • Extra dry clothes 
    • (1examples: polypropylene, polyester pile or fleece, Capilene®, wool, neoprene)
  • Personal camping gear including tent, sleeping pad and sleeping bag
  • Re-usable plate, cup, and utensils: we are aiming for a zero-waste event and will have dishwashing stations. No disposable items please!!
  • Water bottle, sunscreen, personal medications, etc.
  •  Bring your own food for any meals not provided by the Event.
 
5.  What if I don't have my own gear?
Possible resources for those who don’t have appropriate gear include:
  
6. What meals are provided?
Saturday snacks, lunch and dinner and Sunday breakfast, snacks and lunch will be catered by a small group of volunteers and includes fresh fruit and vegetables. We can accommodate requests for vegetarian, gluten-free, and other dietary alternatives. Please indicate your meal restrictions upon registration.
 
7.  Is Safety Weekend only for kayakers?
Anyone who plans to spend any amount of time on or near rivers can benefit from the instruction and practice gained at this event.
 
8.  Will I need to bring my own boat?
No, any equipment for instruction will be provided for the sessions.  You may bring your own gear, so you can practice using it, such as a throw bag, carabiners, and paddle, as well as personally fitting your PFD and helmet.  Be certain to mark your items so that they are recognizable as your property.
 
9.  Do I need prior experience or specific boating skills?
No, all skill levels are welcome, beginner and experienced alike.
 
10.  Will there be an opportunity to paddle a river?
We will try to have a short paddle Saturday afternoon before dinner, depending on conditions. You will need your own boat and gear for this paddle trip.
 
11.  What will I do/learn at Safety Weekend?
Basic safety issues and rescue responses are the core theme for the weekend.  Morning sessions are generally on land and afternoon sessions are in the river.  You will practice knots, swift water crossings, river swims, rescues; with Z-drags, throw-ropes, as well as strainer drills.  On-river scouting, group and individual responsibilities will also be covered.
 
12.  Will there be any certificates given out for this weekend?
This event is a non-certification course although many of the same techniques taught in certification classes are practiced at Safety Weekend.
 
13. Who should take this course?
Beginning to advanced kayakers, rafters, canoeists, swimmers and anyone who expects to spend time on or near a river.
 
14.  Is there a minimum age limit to attend Safety Weekend?
The minimum age is 12 years old.  In addition, we require that a PARTICIPATING parent or legal guardian accompany any minor under 18 years of age.
 
15.  Will there be any refunds for no shows?
No refunds will be offered after the early bird deadline of June 15, 2011.
 
16.  Will there be room for RV's or any hook-ups?
Maybe.  Please check with the organizers at safetyweekend@gmail.com.
 
17.  What about beer or alcohol?
A beer, cocktail or glass of wine after a fun day on the river is permissible!  But only AFTER you are COMPLETELY finished on the river.  Club policy is for bring-your-own alcoholic beverages, with each adult responsible for its consumption, and responsible adults ONLY.  We encourage you to enjoy yourself, but we require that quiet hour begin at 10:00 PM.
 
18. What about non-participating attendees?
Please check with the Safety Weekend organizers at safetyweekend@gmail.com.  Non-participating attendees may observe, or may volunteer to help the instructors or cooks. They are to pay for their food, and a small camping fee.
 
19.  How do I volunteer for the event?
Please contact the organizers at safetyweekend@gmail.com, indicating your skills and area of interest.
 
20. Other questions?
  Please contact the organizers at safetyweekend@gmail.com