Course Overview: The Swiftwater Rescue workshop teaches recognition and avoidance of common
river hazards, execution of self-rescue techniques, and rescue techniques for paddlers in distress. Emphasis
is placed both on personal safety and on simple, commonly used skills. Fundamental and more advanced
techniques for dealing with hazards that carry greater risks for both victim and rescuer, such as
strainers, rescue vest applications, entrapments, and pins, also are practiced. Scenarios will provide an
opportunity for participants to practice their skills both individually and within a team/group context.
Course Objectives:
Course Prerequisites: All paddle craft are welcome. Ideally, students should be able to competently maneuver
their craft in at least class II whitewater. However, all boaters, and non-boaters with an interest in
swiftwater rescue (e.g., professional rescuers), will benefit from the class. Participants should be in good
health and overall fitness, possess solid swimming ability, and be comfortable swimming in moving current
during river drills. Participants should dress appropriately for weather and temperature, and should
expect to be in the water for extended periods of time.
Minimum personal equipment for class: PFD designed for whitewater use, whitewater helmet, protective
clothing suitable for extended swimming in cold water, protective footwear, boat, paddle, whistle,
throw rope, 15+ feet of one inch tubular nylon webbing, 2 locking carabiners, and 2 prusick loops.
Course Duration: Two days (16 – 18 hours)
ACA Level 4: Swiftwater Rescue Sample Skills Course Outline
river hazards, execution of self-rescue techniques, and rescue techniques for paddlers in distress. Emphasis
is placed both on personal safety and on simple, commonly used skills. Fundamental and more advanced
techniques for dealing with hazards that carry greater risks for both victim and rescuer, such as
strainers, rescue vest applications, entrapments, and pins, also are practiced. Scenarios will provide an
opportunity for participants to practice their skills both individually and within a team/group context.
Course Objectives:
- Promote proactive prevention of river accidents and injuries.
- Develop and practice key self-rescue skills.
- Identify and avoid river hazards by understanding hydrology, hazards, and river features.
- Focus on fast, low-risk strategies for early management of river accidents
- Develop and practice methods for recovering swimmers, and loose boats and equipment
- Develop and practice more advanced rope-based and in-water skills
- Gain experience using the rescue PFD, and understand its strengths and weaknesses
- Utilize rescue scene management principles needed within a paddling group
Course Prerequisites: All paddle craft are welcome. Ideally, students should be able to competently maneuver
their craft in at least class II whitewater. However, all boaters, and non-boaters with an interest in
swiftwater rescue (e.g., professional rescuers), will benefit from the class. Participants should be in good
health and overall fitness, possess solid swimming ability, and be comfortable swimming in moving current
during river drills. Participants should dress appropriately for weather and temperature, and should
expect to be in the water for extended periods of time.
Minimum personal equipment for class: PFD designed for whitewater use, whitewater helmet, protective
clothing suitable for extended swimming in cold water, protective footwear, boat, paddle, whistle,
throw rope, 15+ feet of one inch tubular nylon webbing, 2 locking carabiners, and 2 prusick loops.
Course Duration: Two days (16 – 18 hours)
ACA Level 4: Swiftwater Rescue Sample Skills Course Outline