During the week of June 12-16, Marine Law Enforcement personnel from around the state will be learning and perfecting their navigation skills on the Rogue River. Students will learn to swim in whitewater, practice rescue techniques, navigate class III whitewater, and operate in remote environments from drift boats, rafts and catarafts. Running whitewater takes training and practice, so law enforcement can respond to emergencies quickly and confidently. “This training is designed so the students become proficient and confident running the river,” says Dale Flowers, Law Enforcement Training Coordinator for the Marine Board. Each day the students drift various river sections, beginning with Class I rapids. “For example, day one we focus the students’ attention on lifting their vision down river to see the whole run vs. the next ten feet in front of the boat,” says Flowers. Day two, instructors build on the skills from the day before and then tackle a more difficult rapid (Class II). It’s easy to see how people get into trouble by looking directly in front of them and ultimately row into a hazardous situation,” Flowers explains. The training also includes learning the fundamentals of “reading the river” and boat maneuvering. “Everything is hands-on. Students and instructors need to demonstrate physical skills and communicate really well with each other to make the learning productive while maintaining safety,” Flowers adds. The skills the students gain give them a strong foundation to build upon when they return to their patrol area. “We also practice scenarios where students encounter boaters and guides who are not in compliance with existing laws,” Flowers adds. “When the law enforcement students leave this training, they have a new respect for safety on the river, the people who run it and playing by the rules.” For more information about boating laws and regulations, visit www.boatoregon.com.
