I recently had the pleasure of paddling down a part of the Suwannee River as a river guide and Assistant Scout Master for my Boy Scout Troop. We started down the river on Monday the 21st of July and ended the trip Friday night. The scouts’ goal on this paddle was to develop their personal fitness, self-reliance, knowledge of wood lore, and a practical understanding of conservation. By doing these things, the scouts qualified to earn the BSA 50-Miler Award.
The scouts divided among seven canoes and two kayaks and began their paddle at the Suwannee River State Park. The water was low; consequently, the scouts and leaders learned how to read and react to swift moving water. We even practiced some rescues in the calm parts of the river to boost everyone’s’ confidence on the water.
It was a good thing that we had practiced those skills. Later in the afternoon a canoe of two adult leaders got caught in swift water slamming into a rock jetty, broaching, and capsizing. Two adults needed rescuing because the water was attempting to pull them under the rock strainer. Which would have resulted in entrapment and drowning. The adult on the bow was easier to pull over the canoe and on to the rock landing. The adult at the stern was entangled and was having difficulty keeping their head above water. While I was calming the adult and holding them, another adult decided to help by jumping into the water. That adult disappeared, nearly sucked down into the rock strainer. That other adult yanked the adult at the stern underwater and climbed up and over the person onto me. I then quickly pulled up the panicked adult up and out of the water.
Beyond that moment, the week was full of sun, a little rain, great food, and fun. I had a great time with my troop as an ASM. And I look forward to my troops next outdoor scouting adventure.
Liquid Rhythm Adventures' Journal 