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River Rescue

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Whitewater paddling is exciting, adventurous - and sometimes risky. That's why every fast-water paddler needs the skills so clearly defined in River Rescue. This edition of the AMC classic manual gives expert advice, with clear, concise instructions and hundreds of vital illustrations and photographs that cover all aspects of river safety. _ material on big-water rescue _ self-rescue and rescue of others - by hand, boat, rope, and other ways; _ tools and techniques - rope work, throw bags, boat handling, high and low-tech gear to use when seconds count; _ rescue leadership, teamwork, patient care, evacuation, and more

296 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1985

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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
Profile Image for Cam Torrens.
Author 7 books126 followers
September 18, 2025
I'm writing an action-adventure fiction novel that includes several river rescues on the Upper Arkansas. I wrote the first draft based on what I thought was common sense, and even threw a couple of questions into ChatGPT. Ran that rough copy by a river expert. He laughed.

After walking me through the way river rescue really works, he handed me this book and said, "In case you forget what I just told you...these guys wrote the book on it." Forty years after publication, this rescue "bible" is as applicable as it was when first published.

Keeping me from looking like a clueless idiot author making things up is a good thing. Hats off to authors Les Bechdel and Slim Ray--because writing a book that saves lives is an incredible thing!

Profile Image for Chandra Boulden.
358 reviews
July 12, 2018
A great easy to read book with a lot of practical tips. Should be a must read for anyone rafting no commercially. Presents many things to be aware of.
Profile Image for Timmy Fearn.
26 reviews
November 29, 2015
This is "the" book for river rescue. Get it, read it, practice it. Play safe and be prepared for the unexpected.
The format is presented in a way that builds on itself allowing the practitioner to start with a basic foundation and gain insight along the way. River sense may not be something that is teachable but this book will give you an amazing head start.
26 reviews
July 17, 2013
Needs to be read by anyone getting on the river. Excellent supplement to a swiftwater rescue course.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews