River Rescue: A Manual for Whitewater Safety

by Les Bechdel, Slim Ray, Jan AtLee (Illustrator)

River Rescue has been the authoritative reference for canoe, kayak, and raft -- from beginner self-rescue to big river teamwork -- since 1985.

The 4th edition is bigger and better than ever, with 292 fact-filled pages, 106 illustrations, and 144 photographs. Featured are new photos and first-hand accounts of rescues; expanded material on big-water rescue -- new gear and methods; 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 organization -- leadership, teamwork, patient care, evacuation, and more.

Genres: Outdoors

292 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1985

Reviews

[Cam Torrens · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!

[Chandra Boulden · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Timmy Fearn · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Chris Noland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Needs to be read by anyone getting on the river. Excellent supplement to a swiftwater rescue course.