2 Day American Canoe Association Swiftwater Rescue Certification

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. Boaters should be able to competently maneuver their craft in Class I-II rapids. 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 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.