Whitewater River Rescue and River Safety

Our ACA Level 2 Essentials of River Safety and Rescue workshop teaches participants how to recognize and avoid common river hazards, perform self-rescue techniques, and execute simple rescues for paddlers in distress. The workshop emphasizes personal safety and fundamental skills that are commonly used in various situations. We also cover essential techniques for handling hazards that pose greater risks, such as entrapments and pins. This course is primarily designed for new boaters or those planning to paddle in moving water, but not in whitewater. The workshop lasts for one day, totaling 8 hours, and is our most introductory class. Essentials of River Safety and Rescue workshop teaches recognition and avoidance of common river hazards, execution of self-rescue techniques, and simple rescues of paddlers in distress. Emphasis is placed on both personal safety and simple, commonly used skills. Fundamental techniques for dealing with hazards that pose greater risks to both the subject and the rescuer, such as entrapments and pins, are also taught. This course is aimed primarily at new boaters or those who anticipate paddling in moving water but not in whitewater. This one-day, 8-hour class is our most entry-level class.

Our ACA Level 3 River Safety and Rescue workshop focuses on identifying and avoiding common river hazards, practicing self-rescue techniques, and performing simple rescues for paddlers in distress. We emphasize personal safety and teach easily applicable skills. In addition, we cover fundamental techniques to manage more dangerous situations, such as entrapments and pins. This course is designed for whitewater boaters who want to learn essential river rescue skills. River Safety and Rescue workshop teaches recognition and avoidance of common river hazards, execution of self-rescue techniques, and simple rescues of paddlers in distress. Emphasis is placed on both personal safety and simple, commonly used skills. Fundamental techniques for dealing with hazards that pose greater risks to both the subject and the rescuer, such as entrapments and pins, are also taught. This course is aimed at whitewater boaters interested in learning fundamental river rescue skills.

The ACA Level 4 Swiftwater River Rescue class is, by far, our most popular river rescue class.  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 on both personal safety and simple, commonly used skills. Fundamental and more advanced techniques for dealing with hazards that pose greater risks to both the subject and the rescuer, such as strainers, rescue vest applications, entrapments, and pins, are also practiced. Scenarios will provide an opportunity for participants to practice their skills both individually and within a team/group context. The ACA Level 4 Swiftwater River Rescue class is our most popular offering in river rescue training. This workshop focuses on recognizing and avoiding common river hazards, executing self-rescue techniques, and performing rescue techniques for paddlers in distress. Emphasis is placed on personal safety and the use of simple, widely practiced skills. If you have some river experience and are looking for a class to give you the tools to deal with dynamic situations on the river, this is the class for you.

Participants will practice both fundamental and advanced techniques to address more complex hazards that pose greater risks to both the subject and the rescuer. These include dealing with strainers, applying rescue vests, managing entrapments, and handling pins. Participants will engage in scenarios that provide opportunities to practice their skills both individually and as part of a team.

The Advanced Swiftwater Rescue workshop is aimed at trip leaders, boaters paddling on more challenging whitewater, and anyone desiring opportunities to develop their rescue skills. Critical judgment and rescue awareness, impacting both personal and group safety, are emphasized throughout the course. Although new skills may be taught, this class focuses on developing judgment and applying skills in rescue scenarios. The scope and content of the course will vary, based on participant needs, interests, and experience.

Please note, that knowledge and proficiency of level 4 river rescue techniques are required before enrolling into the level 5 class. This class is targeted at Swiftwater rescue teams, SAR, Fire, NPS, seasoned trip-leaders, and recovery specialists. We teach this class with a focus on reinforcing level 4 techniques, introducing some new skills, and utilizing drills and scenarios to perfect our swift water rescue skills.