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Safety Weekend 202x [Tests Only]


[ T E S T I N G   P O S T E R S ]

SW-2025_poster-Holly14Jan

Safety Weekend 2025 is in the planning stages.

[ IGNORE OUTDATED INFO BELOW ]





To Register for Safety Weekend:
1. Read the FAQs below.
2. Join the WKCC if you haven't already from the Join the WKCC button in the upper left of home page.
3. Then log into the website from the Member Login link in the upper left.
4. Click the Register Now button on the Safety Weekend event 



To Volunteer to Help:
1. Read the FAQs below
2. Join the WKCC if you haven't already from the Join the WKCC button in the site menu. Skip payment -- we'll waive your dues.
3. Log into the site
4. Complete the Volunteer Signup Form

Past Safety Weekend Photos
 

Download Printable Safety Weekend 2022 Poster

SAFETY WEEKEND FAQs
 
What is Safety Weekend?
Safety Weekend is an annual, two-day, non-certification workshop put on by the Willamette Kayak and Canoe Club (WKCC.) It is entirely run by volunteers. The workshop offers land and water-based training and info sessions on basic river safety topics including: whitewater safety gear/equipment, throw bag skills, knots, swiftwater crossing, swiftwater swimming, mechanical advantage, and avoiding river obstacles. Safety Weekend is a great chance to learn and/or refresh your river safety skills in a welcoming and fun environment, and a great chance to meet fellow river enthusiasts. Detailed Course Descriptions

Location: greater Eugene area and nearby rivers. Details sent to registrants.

Who can take this course? 
The course is open to WKCC members. If you're not a member, please join by clicking on "Join WKCC" before registering for Safety Weekend. We welcome kayakers, rafters, and canoeists. Ages 12 and up.* Anyone who plans on spending any time on or near our beautiful rivers can benefit from this course. All skill levels are welcome, beginners and experienced boaters alike! No previous experience necessary. *We do require that a PARTICIPATING parent or legal guardian accompany any minor participant under 18 years of age.

Am I fit enough to take this course?
The course involves activities requiring a moderate level of stamina and agility, such as the ability to throw, walk on slippery rocks, and swim actively You will be simulating rescue activities on land and in the river. Check out the photos for examples of exercises covered in the classes.
 

What are our Covid protocols?

We will follow state and local Covid-19 guidelines for outdoor recreation. If you choose to attend, you are required to follow public health precautions to keep yourself and others safe.

How do I register for Safety Weekend and what is the cost?
To register follow the 4-step instructions at the top this page. The registration fee is $130. We can accept up to 30 participants. Registration will close when all of our spots are filled. Waitlist: If Safety Weekend is full, contact safetyweekend@wkcc.org and we'll add you to the wait. PLEASE NOTE: You must be a WKCC member to register for this event. Club membership costs an additional $12. Click the "Join the WKCC" button at left to become a member.

What does the Registration Fee cover?
The registration fee covers the event costs including: instruction, instructional equipment, plenty of snacks, two lunches, Saturday dinner, camping Friday and Saturday nightsThe WKCC is a not-for-profit entity. Safety Weekend is run below cost, we do not make money from the fee.

What is the Cancellation Policy?
We are waiving our cancellation fee this year. We urge you to not hesitate to cancel if you feel at all ill—you will be issued a full refund. That being said, we cap registrations at 30, so please don’t sign up unless you’re reasonably sure you will be attending. If you must cancel, please consider making a donation.

Donate to Safety Weekend.  Why? Safety Weekend depends entirely on volunteers, as it is a non-profit endeavor. And yet, our expenses exceed what we bring in from the event. We hold Safety Weekend as a service to the boating community, so please consider making a donation. 


What time does Safety Weekend start and finish?
Check-in for the two-day workshop opens at 8:00 AM on Saturday, July 30. The instructional programming runs from 9 AM to 6 PM both Saturday and Sunday.

When will the campsites be available?

Camping will be available Friday afternoon July 29th. You must have your camp packed up by 10:00 on Sunday morning. Camping will be at a Lane County park. Parking will be limited. Please carpool if possible and bring a Lane County park pass if you have one.

Will there be room for RV's or any hook-ups?
Parking is very limited. If you are bringing an RV or need hook-ups, please consider reserving your own site at Armitage Park or nearby campground..

What do I need to bring for Safety Weekend?

THE FOLLOWING ITEMS ARE MANDATORY FOR THE WATER-BASED ACTIVITIES…

  • Personal Flotation Device (PFD) and HELMET
  • A dry suit or a farmer john style wetsuit (3mm or thicker) and a splash jacket
  • Synthetic under-layers (i.e. polypropylene, polyester pile or fleece, wool or neoprene)
  • Paddle shoes, neoprene booties with thick soles or well fitting sneakers and warm wool or neoprene socks.
  • NO COTTON—cotton clothing is not appropriate for water-based activities.
  • Plan for the possibility of extended time in the water!!

ALL PARTICIPANTS SHOULD BRING THE FOLLOWING ITEMS…

  • Mug for coffee, dinner ware and utensils
  • Casual clothing and footwear for both warm and cold weather, rain is always a possibility
  • Water Bottle
  • Sunscreen
  • Towel
  • Medications
  • Any special snack you’d like to have

THE FOLLOWING ITEMS ARE OPTIONAL…

  • Personal throw bags, carabiners, pin kits and paddles are encouraged, please label your gear!!
  • Bring your own boat if you can. We’ll be paddling down to the site both afternoons.

BRING THESE ITEMS IF CAMPING….

  • Tent, sleeping bag, camp chair, and pad
  • Personal effects (there are markets nearby)
  • Coffee is provided, but breakfast is not. Bring your own personal camp stove or eat at a nearby restaurant.
What if I don't have my own gear?
There are several rental outfits in the Corvallis, Eugene, and Portland areas. You can also reach out to us at safetyweekend@wkcc.org
 

Oregon Paddle Sports
Play it Again Sports

Alder Creek

Peak Sports

Next Adventure 

Oregon State University, Outdoor Recreation Center

Outdoor Program, University of Oregon 


What meals are provided?
Two lunches, snacks, Saturday dinner, and coffee will be provided. Unlike in the past, breakfast is not provided. We can accommodate carnivore, vegetarian, gluten-free, and vegan dietary preferences. Please indicate any food restrictions on registration form.

What about beer or alcohol?
A beer, cocktail or glass of wine after a fun day on the river is permissible!  But only AFTER you are COMPLETELY finished on the river.  Club policy is for bring-your-own alcoholic beverages, with each adult responsible for its consumption, and responsible adults ONLY. Safety Weekend is a great venue for networking and socializing with fellow boaters. We urge you to take advantage of this, but do keep in mind that quiet hours begin at 10 PM.

What about non-participating attendees?
Please check with the Safety Weekend organizers at safetyweekend@wkcc.org. Non-participating attendees with participating family members may observe or better yet, volunteer. No children please.

Are pets allowed at this event?
No. As much as we all love our non-human friends, there is very little time between events to properly look after them, please leave at home. 

How do I volunteer for the event?
Please follow the 4-step instructions at the top this page.

Other questions?
Please contact the organizers at safetyweekend@wkcc.org


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