River Safety Training, Cotter River, February 2021, Canberra Bushwalking Club
At the start of 2021 Canberra Bushwalking Club held a challenging and interesting activity for members – a river-crossing training exercise. Held in the clear waters of the Cotter River, 26 club members attended keen to learn how to cross rivers safely.
The training was recommended for leaders and anyone contemplating walking in New Zealand or Tasmania. The course covered teaching participants how to assess a river, identify the safest crossing place and solo and team crossing techniques. Participants practiced these techniques in water up to thigh deep and also had the opportunity to practice swimming with a pack.
The day was highly successful with all participants agreeing that the course helped them to learn these essential life-saving skills. Watch more here to learn more about river safety.
Our Club of the Month: Canberra Bushwalking Club
Canberra Bushwalking Club was founded in 1961 and currently has over 400 members. While the Club’s main activity is bushwalking it also offers canoeing, canyoning, caving, conservation work parties, cross-country skiing, cycling, geocaching, liloing and social activities. Check out the Club’s Facebook page to see more.
Features of the Canberra Bushwalking Club include:
- A range of activities – from easy urban rambles and walks suitable for families with toddlers, to multi-day expeditions in rough and remote areas
- Training programs in navigation and other topics
- Strong emphasis on safety
- Modest annual membership fees (currently $40)
- Non-members welcome on activities, with agreement of walk leader (up to 3 activities)
- Participants covered by public liability insurance
- Monthly meetings with guest speakers