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CarlS · Posted: Sun Sep 13, 2009 8:30 pm Post subject: Safety Course 12th September 2009

I will open this topic by just talking about the safety course and will allow some of the 'first timers' to talk about the Tryweryn trip the day after.

We arrived at the Bunkhouse at various times with a number of people getting well and truly lost, dinner was booked for 9pm, but I think it was getting on for 11pm by the time the last arrival had eaten. The patience of our hosts must have been well and truly tested, so much for the use of SATNAV!

Breakfast was served at 7.30 and we were at the Tryweryn by about 8.30. We met our coach (Ritchie), who has done several courses for club members in the past and is highly recommended. After some classroom based work, we got kitted out and went to the site above the Chipper where we did various swimming exercises. We were told that it was important to hit the Chipper with feet apart and then bounce off, I did this but after the bounce went sideways on but luckily without damage. We did 'stopper surfing' throwline drills and looked at the use of harnesses.

After lunch a freestyle competition was going on so we moved further down down river to the last eddy before the graveyard section. Ritchie had explained that he wanted to put us under pressure, so as to make it easier when we do rescues for real, but it really did focus the mind knowing that failure to 'bag' someone could see then disappear down the infamous graveyard (although I suspect that the coach had a back up plan).

We finished the day by doing live bait rescues in the stopper at Chappel Mill Falls. I have been told in the past that this stopper will hold a swimmer and yes it does, the sensation of just being able to keep your head above water whilst being completely stuck is an experience only to be had under controlled conditions.

This was a truly excellent day made even better with brilliant company, weather and coach.

Mike · Joined: 04 Jun 2009 Posts: 50 Location: Tyldesley

Carl

I bet you were reassured i was your rescuer, (similar looks to the hoff in baywatch for those people who dont know me) That last drop was an eye opener, but glad of the experience.

Mike

CarlS · Posted: Sun Sep 13, 2009 9:15 pm Post subject:

Which one's Hoff?

or

BobM · Joined: 18 Nov 2008 Posts: 16

Aches and pains everwhere? - Check.
Blisters and ropeburns in strange places? - Check.
Near death experience whilst being "rescued" by an 18 stone rugby player? - Check.
Still being able to taste the murky water of the Tryweryn this morning? - Check.
Still grinning from ear to ear today? - Check.

Must be the river safety day at the Tryweryn!

CarlS · Posted: Mon Sep 14, 2009 4:16 pm Post subject:

Nice one Bob, glad you enjoyed it, I believe you had the same coach on the Sunday. There is another one that people may be interested in perhaps next year which is a two day course, which would involve some boat based work.

Mel Stoddart · Joined: 27 Nov 2007 Posts: 207

CarlS · Posted: Mon Sep 14, 2009 4:22 pm Post subject:

Yes Mel, to the Chipper. Remind me to get you back next weekend, watch out for seaweed

Chris T · Head Coach Joined: 24 Jul 2009 Posts: 39 Location: Leigh

Well what more can I say a fantastic day had by all I think. Both Matt and myself enjoyed the whole weekend. It’s been a while since I was last swimming be it voluntary or involuntary that it was to music with a mention by the DJ. Cool.

Apologies for being the party pooper and bowing out early to rest my aching battered knee and right cheek!!! Had to be doe otherwise I would not be able to walk never mind paddle on Sunday.