Water Rescue Awareness (WRA) Course

The Water Rescue Awareness (WRA) Course is a fast-paced, educational program specifically designed for Public Safety and Rescue Professionals, including Law Enforcement, Fire, Rescue, and EMS Personnel. This course is designed as a foundational course for all public safety and rescue professionals, regardless of their experience in, on or around the water.

The WRA course consists of a 3.5 hour classroom session. Subjects include the following:

• Physiology of Drowning
• Principles of Water Rescue and Survival
• Types and Uses of Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs)
• Cold Water Rescue and Survival Principles
• Ice Rescue and Survival Principles
• Swiftwater Rescue and Survival Principles
• Firefighter Survival in the Water Principles
• Management of Aquatic Spinal Injuries
• Incident Command

The focus of this half-day training program is on surface water rescue and survival principles and is designed to provide the public safety and rescue professional with the knowledge necessary to assist in rescue and recovery operations in, on and around the water.

Individuals who participate in a Water Rescue Technician Course and who successfully complete the classroom session and the final written examination, but who cannot participate or successfully complete the practical session, will be awarded a Water Rescue Awareness certificate.