Swiftwater Rescue Technician Course
This 2-day, 18-hour course is designed specifically for Public Safety and Rescue personnel and provides the knowledge and skills necessary to safely and effectively respond to incidents in and around moving water.
On day 1, candidates will participate in 4.5-hours classroom & 4.5-hours practical session focusing on Water Rescue Technician training, with the practical session conducted in a static water environment.
On day 2, candidates will participate in 9-hours practical session focusing on Swiftwater Rescue, with the practical session conducted in a moving water environment.
This course meets and/or exceeds NFPA 1670 Standard for Technical Rescue.
Pre-Requisite:
Participants must be:
- strong swimmers
- comfortable in both static and moving water environments
- good physical condition
Swiftwater Rescue course candidates must pass a swimming prerequisite consisting of the following:
- Swim continuously 100 yards while wearing a Personal Flotation Device (PFD)
- While in deep water, remove the PFD, surface dive to a depth of 9', and recover a 10 lbs. brick and bring it to the surface
- Support a 10 lbs. brick at the surface of the water, using legs only, for 1 minute
- Surface dive and swim a distance of 35 feet underwater
Classes are scheduled both days from 08:00 - 17:30 hrs. with sign-in from 07:30 - 07:50 hrs. On day 1, the classroom session is conducted from 08:00 - 12:00 hrs. with the in-water practical session from 13:00 - 17:00 hrs. The prerequisite swim test will be administered at the completion of day 1 from 17:00 - 17:30 hrs. On day 2, the classroom session is conducted from 08:00 - 10:00 hrs., while the practical session is conducted from 11:00 - 17:30 hrs.
Required Equipment:
PFDs and helmets will be provided by Lifesaving Resources. To participate in this program, participants must provide:
- their own wetsuit or drysuit
- tennis shoes or wetsuit booties
- water gloves
Participants are also encouraged to bring:
- fins (short)
- boogey board (if available)
Course Completion:
Upon successful completion of the course, participants are awarded a Course Completion Certificate and Insignia. Successful completion is based on successfully completing all course objectives including participation in all classroom sessions and all practical skill evolutions.
Continuing Education Units
CEUs are typically available through state and/or national professional associations for participation in this course. If CEUs are desired, please bring the appropriate form to class. Meanwhile, the course completion certificate will indicate the number of hours of participation for each class.
