ACA Safety & Risk Management 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which rescue technique is considered the FIRST choice when a paddler capsizes near shore?
- Swim to the victim and tow them in
- Throw a rescue bag or rope (Correct answer)
- Paddle your boat to assist
- Enter the water with a PFD
Correct answer: Throw a rescue bag or rope
Throw before go — tossing a throw bag keeps the rescuer safe while reaching the victim quickly.
Question 2: What does the ACA recommend regarding alcohol consumption before paddling?
- Limit to one drink per hour on the water
- Avoid alcohol for at least 8 hours before paddling (Correct answer)
- Alcohol is permitted if the paddler feels in control
- Only restrict alcohol during whitewater activities
Correct answer: Avoid alcohol for at least 8 hours before paddling
ACA safety guidelines call for abstaining from alcohol at least 8 hours prior to paddling to maintain full judgment and coordination.
Question 3: A student's boat becomes pinned against a rock mid-river. What is the instructor's FIRST action?
- Immediately jump in to free the student
- Assess the situation from a safe vantage point before acting (Correct answer)
- Paddle directly into the pin to push the boat free
- Call for emergency services immediately
Correct answer: Assess the situation from a safe vantage point before acting
Scene assessment before action prevents additional victims and allows the instructor to select the safest and most effective rescue method.
Question 4: Which condition most increases the risk of hypothermia during a paddling course?
- Air temperature above 70°F with calm winds
- Cold water combined with wet clothing and wind (Correct answer)
- Bright sunshine with low humidity
- Paddling at a slow pace in still water
Correct answer: Cold water combined with wet clothing and wind
Cold water conducts heat away from the body 25 times faster than air, and wind chill on wet clothing accelerates heat loss dramatically.
Question 5: What is the correct self-rescue position when swimming a rapid?
- Face downstream, feet up, toes pointing downriver (Correct answer)
- Face upstream, head first, arms pulling toward shore
- Vertical position, treading water vigorously
- Roll onto stomach and swim aggressively toward the bank
Correct answer: Face downstream, feet up, toes pointing downriver
The defensive swimming position — on your back, feet downstream and up — protects the swimmer's head and allows feet to deflect rocks.
Question 6: Under ACA guidelines, what is the recommended student-to-instructor ratio for beginner flatwater kayak courses?
- 4:1
- 6:1
- 8:1 (Correct answer)
- 12:1
Correct answer: 8:1
ACA recommends a maximum 8:1 student-to-instructor ratio for beginner flatwater courses to ensure adequate supervision.
Question 7: Which of the following best describes a 'strainer' hazard in moving water?
- A large wave that flips boats
- An obstacle that allows water through but traps solid objects (Correct answer)
- A shallow gravel bar that grounds boats
- A hydraulic feature that recirculates water
Correct answer: An obstacle that allows water through but traps solid objects
Strainers — such as downed trees or fence wire — allow water to pass but trap paddlers, making them among the most deadly river hazards.
ACA Safety & Risk Management 2
Which rescue technique is considered the FIRST choice when a paddler capsizes near shore?