ACA Safety & Risk Management 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When scouting an unfamiliar rapid, an ACA instructor should look for which elements FIRST?
- The fastest line through the center
- Hydraulics, strainers, and viable swim outs (Correct answer)
- Where other groups have portaged
- The steepest drop to estimate difficulty
Correct answer: Hydraulics, strainers, and viable swim outs
Identifying life-threatening hazards — hydraulics, strainers, and escape routes — takes priority over finding the fastest or most exciting line.
Question 2: What minimum information should an instructor leave in a float plan before a paddling trip?
- Put-in location only
- Put-in, take-out, group size, and expected return time (Correct answer)
- Names of participants and phone numbers
- Water level and weather forecast
Correct answer: Put-in, take-out, group size, and expected return time
A complete float plan includes put-in and take-out locations, group size, and expected return time so rescue teams can act quickly if the group is overdue.
Question 3: A paddler is showing signs of heat exhaustion during a summer trip. What is the PRIORITY treatment?
- Have them continue paddling slowly to cool down
- Move them to shade, cool with water, and give fluids if conscious (Correct answer)
- Administer electrolyte tablets and monitor from a distance
- Submerge the paddler in the river immediately
Correct answer: Move them to shade, cool with water, and give fluids if conscious
Cooling the core, providing shade, and replacing fluids (if the victim is alert) are the immediate priorities for heat exhaustion before evacuation.
Question 4: Which factor is MOST important when selecting a swimming site for an on-water rescue demonstration?
- Deep water to prevent injuries
- Slack water with a calm, clear exit pool below (Correct answer)
- Proximity to the instructor's kayak
- Absence of other paddlers in the area
Correct answer: Slack water with a calm, clear exit pool below
A calm exit pool below the swim site ensures students can safely recover if the demonstration goes wrong.
Question 5: What does the 'Cold Water Rule' of 120°F (49°C) refer to?
- The water temperature at which a drysuit is mandatory
- The combined air and water temperature threshold for increased drowning risk (Correct answer)
- The temperature at which swimming ability is significantly impaired
- The safe temperature for immersion training
Correct answer: The combined air and water temperature threshold for increased drowning risk
When air temperature (°F) plus water temperature (°F) totals less than 120, the risk of cold shock and swim failure increases significantly.
Question 6: According to ACA risk management principles, which situation warrants an immediate trip termination?
- A student capsizes and successfully rolls up
- Thunder is heard within 30 minutes of the group's location (Correct answer)
- Wind picks up to 10 mph on flatwater
- One participant forgot their water bottle
Correct answer: Thunder is heard within 30 minutes of the group's location
Lightning is an immediate life threat on open water; ACA guidelines require clearing the water when thunder is heard (30-30 rule).
Question 7: What is the primary purpose of a pre-trip student health screening form?
- To satisfy insurance requirements only
- To identify medical conditions that may affect safety and require accommodation (Correct answer)
- To screen out unfit participants from the course
- To document paddling experience for skill grouping
Correct answer: To identify medical conditions that may affect safety and require accommodation
Health screening allows instructors to anticipate medical emergencies, adapt instruction, and ensure appropriate emergency protocols are in place.
ACA Safety & Risk Management 3
When scouting an unfamiliar rapid, an ACA instructor should look for which elements FIRST?