Whitewater Park became a classroom

Swift-water rescue class teaches professionals and enthusiasts

Janelle Jessen/Herald-Leader Students practiced using a throw rope to rescue instructor Lorraine McPhee while a kayaker looked on.
Janelle Jessen/Herald-Leader Students practiced using a throw rope to rescue instructor Lorraine McPhee while a kayaker looked on.

A swift-water rescue class at the Siloam Springs Whitewater Recreation Park on Sunday gave professionals and enthusiasts a chance to practice something they hope to never have to use.

The class, hosted by the Northwest Arkansas Chapter of the Arkansas Canoe Club, was taught by Steve Runnels of Paddle Dog Productions in Fayetteville. Runnels is a certified swift-water rescue instructor and a member of the Arkansas Canoe Club.

Eleven students, five instructors and one assistant participated in the class, Runnels said. Two of the students were Siloam Springs firefighters, while the rest were paddlers and boating enthusiasts.

Runnels has been holding the class at Fisher Ford for a number of years, but this was the first class to be held since the whitewater park was developed, he said. Runnels plans to continue holding the class on a monthly basis year-round.

Tom Burroughs, of Ozark Safety and Rescue Educators in Winslow, Ark., was one of the instructors who helped Runnels teach the class.

Burroughs said students learned water safety, basic skills such as how to swim in a current, how to keep from getting hurt in the river, and swift-water rescue techniques such as how to use a throw rope. After spending the day learning new skills, students ran through several rescue scenarios that allowed them to practice what they had learned.

Greg Neely, public safety director for Siloam Springs, said the two firefighters were enrolled in the swift-water rescue class to continue training and establish a rapport with those using the water park.

"The Siloam Springs White Water Recreational Park is and remains a wonderful amenity for our residents and visitors to enjoy," Neely said. "However, in order to more safely enjoy this park, it is imperative for the participants to know that the park is not a municipal aquatics center. It is a river with rapids that reach category III and above."

Participants can reduce the risks associated with rapidly moving water with preparedness, skill and personal protective equipment, he said.

"This swift-water safety course and others in the future, will be part of our ongoing effort to partner with these types of communities, who have experience and a healthy respect for the risks that are associated with rapid river activities," Neely said.

Courtney Thomas, of Fayetteville, said she took the class because she wanted to have an understanding of water safety and ultimately be able to save herself and others. Thomas has an interest in boating and whitewater kayaking. Because of her limited experience, Thomas decided to take the swift-water rescue class before becoming more involved in the sport.

Thomas works for the Beaver Watershed Alliance and leads an outdoor program for children. She often works with children in the water, although not swift water, she said.

Thomas said she gained a lot of knowledge and learned new skills. She also had the chance to practice thinking clearly during emergency situations.

One of the most interesting things Thomas learned was how to swim in currents and eddies, she said. Swimming upstream at a 45 degree angle to the riverbank is the quickest way to get to shore, she said.

Anyone can take the class, Runnels said. His only requirement is that students be good swimmers. In addition to the one day entry-level swift-water rescue classes, Runnels also offers more advanced five-day training classes.

Water safety at the new Whitewater Recreation Park is a high priority, city board of directors members said in their July meeting. Siloam Springs police officers have been on patrol at the park daily.

Following the directions on signs posted at the park is a good place to start with safety precautions, Burroughs said.

Runnels suggested that life jackets and shoes -- preferably water shoes -- are the minimum safety equipment needed by those using the water park. Adult supervision is also imperative, he said.

Swimmers are not required to use flotation devices, but signs at the park encourage their use.

While at the river on Sunday, Burroughs said he observed several people being injured.

"The public is not grasping this is a wild river. It's not an amusement park," Burroughs said. "Folks don't respect the river. They should be wearing life jackets and operating in a safe manner."

Information about upcoming classes is available on Paddle Dog Productions' website, tinyurl.com/kdne26s.

General News on 07/23/2014