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Whitewater River Rescue

In Washington State

Whitewater River Rescue Classes in Washington

The art of whitewater river rescue training is a mix of training, practice, study, and experience.  Here at River Recreation, we take river rescue and river safety seriously.  We offer some of the most industry standard-setting river rescue classes in the Northwest.  Whether you are new to running rivers and river rescue, or an experienced river runner, we have a class to suit you in which you can learn new techniques, practice those techniques, and study river rescue and whitewater rescue as a whole.

We pride ourselves on a “Less talk, more rock” philosophy maximizing a positive and hands-on classroom environment. Washington state whitewater can be an intimidating environment to be involved in; let us help you be comfortable in a river, near a river, and prepare for a true river rescue.

Please remember that custom training dates are available for groups of 6 participants or more and customized classes for specific business environments is also available.

River Recreation is proud to offer the highest level American Canoe Association swiftwater river rescue training classes available anywhere.  We teach a wide spectrum of classes well suited for everyone, whether you are a beginner, or a river veteran.

​​​Level 2: Essentials of River Safety and Rescue - 1 day

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 both on personal safety and on simple, commonly used skills. Fundamental techniques for dealing with hazards that carry greater risks for both subject and rescuer, such as entrapments, and pins, also are taught. This course is aimed primarily at new boaters, or boaters who anticipate paddling in moving water but not whitewater. This one-day, 8-hour class is our most entry class.

  • Minimum Age: 16
  • Price: $149.00 per person

​​​Level 3: River Safety & Rescue - 1-day

The 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 both on personal safety and on simple, commonly used skills. Fundamental techniques for dealing with hazards that carry greater risks for both subject and rescuer, such as entrapments, and pins, also are taught. This course is aimed at whitewater boaters interested in learning fundamental river rescue skills.

  • Minimum Age: 16
  • Price: $149.00 per person

​​​Level 4: Swiftwater Rescue - 2-days

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 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 subject 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.

  • Minimum Age: 16
  • Price: $265.00 per person

​​​Level 5: Advanced Swiftwater Rescue 2-days

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.

  • Minimum Age: 18
  • Price: $300.00 per person