This spring our raft guide training program will be headed up by Carl Fitzgerald, aka: Fidge, and the ever popular Eddicar Fergison, aka: Double D. Fidge has been training Songer raft guides for the last 6 seasons and does a wonderful job of breaking down the weekends into structured lesson plans.
Double D will be brought in to help with the guide training but to also have continued training throughout the season with all of the guide staff. An opportunity that is just now taking place is joint River Rescue courses with the other outfitters on our rivers. It is purposed that there will be 4 dates set to get as many raft guides in the area together working on rescue drills. This will help them get to know one another and to develop general communications needed when you can’t necessarily hear each other over the roar of the river. Raft guide sign language, look out!
The important aspects to safety, in my opinion, are prevention and guest education. I have heard it many times and am very proud to say that the “Songer guests are the most educated guests out there!” Our guides take the time to explain the “what if we crash” scenarios. There is a big difference between telling someone how to swim and get back into the raft versus having them float with their feet up and wait for the boat to get to them. No thanks for me on the waiting, I’m getting back in the boat!
There are many stepping stones throughout the day to educate, evaluate & decide how to make the day fun & safe for everyone. Songer is going to continue to breakdown the details of how to make this work for the benefit of everyone on the river.
If you would like to raft guide train with us (no wussies allowed) please email me: Melanie@songerwhitewater.com
If you have any questions about how our staff prepares for river trips, please let me know as well.
