Whitewater Rescue

The Whitewater Rescue Technician (WRT) courses are designed to meet the industry standards for people who, for work or recreational purposes, find themselves on or around the river such as professional guides, private boaters, and fish and game personnel (fire and rescue personnel should take the NFPA-compliant Swiftwater Rescue Technician 1 (SRT1) course).
WHITEWATER RESCUE TECHNICIAN
FOR THE RIVER PROFESSIONAL (WRT)

Students will benefit from this intensive, hands-on course using techniques and simple equipment to assess and perform river rescues. Presented in a two and one-half day format (usually 3-4 hours on the first day or evening and all day on the next two days), this courses focuses on real problems that people in the industry may face. The emephais in on speedy, low-tech and improvised rescue techniques that work with a minimum of equipment.

Equipment requirements:

  • full wetsuit or drysuit
  • lightweight water or climbing helmet
  • USCG Type III or V approved lifejacket/PFD
  • water booties or tennis shoes
  • gloves and fins optional

Prerequisites:

  • 18 years of age or older
  • adequate health insurance coverage
  • basic swimming ability
  • in good physical condition

SWIFTWATER RESCUE TECHNICIAN® 2 (SRT2)

A two-day course which builds on the skills which were taught in SRT1 (either the NFPA or pre-NFPA version). The SRT2 course also has a mock night rescue scenario on the first night, and concentrates further on developing such skills as managing the rescue scene, litter management and the utilization of teams.

This class works well for SAR teams, park and fish management personnel, as well as others who may find themselves where more complex water and technical rope skills are needed. Equipment needs and prerequisites are the same as for SRTA. This course does not meet the NFPA 1670 Standard competencies.

Equipment requirements:

  • climbing helmet and harness
  • full wetsuit or drysuit
  • gloves and fins optional
  • lightweight water or climbing helmet
  • long pants
  • USCG Type III or V approved lifejacket/PFD
  • water booties or tennis shoes
  • waterproof flashlight
  • whistle
  • any other gear beneficial for a night search is recommended

Prerequisites:

  • 18 years of age or older
  • adequate health insurance coverage
  • basic swimming ability
  • in good physical condition

SWIFTWATER FIRST RESPONDER®

This course for "flowing" water is designed to provide interested individuals and agencies with the basic information on techniques and equipment for responding to river and flood rescues. Topics cover such subjects as how to use low-risk and shore-based rescues, and how to evaluate and protect the scene. This class has four hours of classroom and five to six hours of field work. Participants will receive a manual, a Certificate of Completion and an embroidered patch.

Equipment requirements:

  • full wetsuit or drysuit
  • lightweight water or climbing helmet
  • USCG-approved lifejacket/PFD (Type III or V)
  • water booties or tennis shoes
  • gloves and fins optional

Prerequisites:

  • 18 years of age or older
  • adequate health insurance coverage
  • basic swimming ability
  • in good physical condition