A Flatwater First Responders’ Course was organized by the Tatla Lake West Chilcotin Search and Rescue Organization. I have been interested in this group for a while and joined in a somewhat desultory fashion in the spring. I was just too busy to attend meetings regularly.
The day we had the Flatwater First Responders’ Course was a very smoky one.
The instructor was from Raven Rescue. (instructor on the right.)
We were kitted out in dry suits. (Me on the extreme left.)
I found that my knees wouldn’t let me walk in and out along the rocky shore so I did not in fact go into the water much. So I got to take photos.
Our local S. A. R. is a small but very active group who have done a number of rescues over the whole Chilcotin. Selma, in the middle back row, is the manager. It was these same people who organized the local firefighting effort last year – you will be amazed when you read the fire book (probably out 2019.).
Belonging to the S.A. R. doesn’t mean you can just rush out and rescue someone. You are not allowed to do rescues unless you have the correct level of training – and the correct equipment. I shall never get much in the way of grades, but the learning process is very interesting and I can always do things like paperwork, interviews etc. And I do know a large chunk of wild country and how to get around on foot in it.
On this course we learned about ropes – how to tie them and how to throw them. 
Everyone had a go at rescuing each other – problem was, the victim looked as if he/she was enjoying themselves too much! ( This one happens to be the school principal.)
I have to say, it was all a lot of fun. In a couple of weeks, we have a tracking course. I think I’ll be a lot more useful at that.
You are an amazing woman for sure. Looks like principal duties up your way are very different from the ones I had down in the big city near Los Angeles. Our big issues were gangs, shootings, home violence, drugs, etc. That said, it as a very rewarding experience to work with hard working families who wanted a better life for themselves and their children in the midst of many social issues. – Margy
Well done Chris. It reminds me of my sailing instructor and rescue cox training. They used to throw us in the water and come up at high speed in a rescue launch to show how frightening it could be if you didn’t do the rescue slowly and follow procedure. We also had to do it in a sailing dingy. Much more difficult.
Good on you participating with SAR ! I’m sure will be very rewarding for you and everyone else volunteering and, for those needing help.
I am interested in knowing who will be teaching the tracking course. I was acquainted with a man from the island who taught advanced tracking and thought it might be him? (our kids rowed together years ago and I worked with him for a while) I don’t want to post his full name but if it is Peter please say hello from me and you are welcome to pass along my email to him.
Hopefully this smoke goes away, I’m not enjoying being indoors so much!
Good for you, Chris. It is always good to keep learning – especially things that are useful.
We too were inundated with smoke and still have it somewhat. Most of the smoke is from the mainland fires although we did have a few doozies here too.
We have had glorious weather but are headed into a rainy period in which I will fondly recall my days at Barnes Lake!