BoaterTalk FAQ: Do-It-Yourself Rescue Kit
Basic Whitewater Rescue Kit
by Jay MoffattPosted and edited by Richard L. Hartman with permission. This should be considered as a starting point, and only covers equipment and materials. The biggest part of rescue is *training*. Don't lull yourself into a false sense of security believing that more equipment can substitute for lack of training. All the equipment in the world won't help you if you don't know how to use it properly.
This FAQ will likely be an ongoing, constantly-revised section. Comments are invited to rlh@boatertalk.com.
I think it is everyone's responsibility to their friends and to themselves to carry some sort of kit when paddling in remote places.
Everything is kept in a small dry bag.
| PIN KIT | FIRST AID KIT | |
| 3 carabiners | Pre-fab adventure medical kit (day-tripper) | |
| 2 pulleys | +++ Benadril | |
| 2 webbings | Strong pain killers | |
| Figure 8 | Rubber gloves | |
| Prussik loop |
| MISCELLANEOUS |
| Flashlight w/ extra batteries |
| Two energy bars |
| Sunscreen (stick kind so hands are not slippery) |
| Duct tape |
| Midweight fleece hat |
| Glow stick (in case people need to spot your location) |
| Leatherman (for the pliers and screwdriver) |
| *NICE* lighter (spendy but worth it!) |
| Firestarter kept in a large plastic bag |
| Iodine tabs |
| Dentalfloss pre-threaded into a heavy duty needle |
| Strip of neoprene |
| NEW space emergency bag (useless if old!) |
| Extra drainplug |
| Safety pins |
| Large 20 hour heat packet |
| $10 cash in bills and change |
| Thin pairs of polypro gloves and socks |
Vinyl mastic and a small tube of contact cement: This stuff repair boat cracks on the river. Place a SMALL amount of contact cement around the area of the crack and light it with the lighter to burn off all the moisture. Place the vinyl mastic over the crack on the inside of the boat if possible. (You can find this stuff in the electrical department in a hardware store.)
Also wearing a safety vest is a good idea for both you and your buddies. Be sure to have a sharp kinfe in an accessable pocket if you were to be trapped in a rope. A wistle attached to the vest for QUICK access is VERY inportant.
A waist throw bag with a leash and carabiner is key! This way you don't have to go back to your boat when your buddy needs help right then!