Swiftwater Rescue Training
Organize and Manage Safe Swiftwater Rescue Operations
Swiftwater Rescue Training
Recommended for: Public safety agencies, water rescue teams, law enforcement, fire service personnel, and any professionals that may be called to operate in or near swiftwater
Duration: 3 Days (24 Hours)
Course Overview
Prerequisites
Course Overview
Swiftwater environments are fast, unpredictable, and often deadly. Dive Rescue International’s Swiftwater Rescue Training prepares participants to safely plan, manage, and execute rescue operations in high-risk moving water scenarios.
This three-day, intensive surface rescue course addresses the complexities of swift current, low-head dams, and submerged hazards. Participants will take part in multiple in-water scenarios, learning proven techniques to mitigate risk, improve team coordination, and save lives in dynamic environments.
Key Learning Areas
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Fundamentals of hydrology and water dynamics
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Hazard recognition and risk/benefit analysis
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Site surveys and scene safety
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Protective equipment selection and usage
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Rope-based rescue tactics and rigging systems
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Boat-based operations and swiftwater navigation
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Survival techniques in fast-moving water
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Specialized considerations for low-head dam rescues
Prerequisites
To enroll in the Swiftwater Rescue Training program, participants must:
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Be a member of a public safety agency
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Be at least 18 years of age
Fitness Requirements
Due to the demanding nature of the course, participants should have strong aerobic fitness. We recommend completion of the IADRS Watermanship Test or testing to a fitness level of 13 METs (Metabolic Equivalents) or higher. Those with medical concerns should consult a physician prior to participation.
Applicants with limited aerobic capacity may attend in a surface support role with instructor approval.