Internship Dispatch: Sinead Addis

Last week, I had the opportunity to complete the Level 2 Swiftwater Rescue course on the Musquodoboit River as part of my internship with the Margaree Salmon Association. This training course is essential for developing both the skills and knowledge needed to work safely in and around fast-moving water. Throughout the course, I practiced both self-rescue and team-rescue skills; I learned to use throw bags to assist others, practiced escaping river entrapments, and gained confidence in critical decision-making scenarios. We also covered important river terminology, such as river orientation, the use of proper hand signals, whistle communication, and river morphology, to help improve our understanding of water features and anticipate potential hazards. Additionally, this course also provided us the opportunity to learn and practice tying useful knots for rescue scenarios.

Current MMM Sinead Addis (far left) and the Margaree Salmon Association crew (including MMM alumni Michael Fabiano, light blue, left) at the Swiftwater Rescue training course. Photo courtesy of H. Mosco.

This training course has better prepared me for my internship that will involve intensive fieldwork along the Margaree River. Learning how to assess risk and use proper gear in aquatic environments will contribute to both my own safety and the safety of my team while out in the field. This training course has also provided me with the skills needed to assess and act in emergency rescue situations. While we cannot eliminate all risks associated with working in aquatic environments, relevant training courses can help to ensure that we are prepared to manage and respond to potential emergency situations with confidence.

Written by Sinead Addis