Water
Swiftwater rescue courses prepare you to operate in and around the high-risk environment of moving water.
The level of training you need depends on how close you get to moving water in the course of your activities.
1. Awareness (more than 10’ from moving water)
2. Operations (within 10’ of moving water)
3. Technician (in or on moving water)
Choosing a Course
For those who work in or on moving water, the “standard-of-care” or minimum recommended training is Swiftwater Rescue Technician - Level One. Ninety-five percent of our swiftwater clients opt for this course because it is complete and comprehensive.
For more information on choosing the level of training you require, see our FAQ on Training Levels.
Global Standards = Portability
Except where noted, all of our courses have been independently audited and found to meet the NPFA 1670 Standard on Operations and Training in Technical Rescue Incidents. This is the de-facto global standard for professionals working in high risk areas which means our certifications are instantly recognized around the world.
Check out the course summaries below, and click on the link for detailed information on each course.
Basic Water First Responder (BWFR)
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Management of Water & Flood Incidents
N E W ! This five-day course is designed for those who will manage teams of responders and rescuers at water and flood incidents. The focus is on ensuring the safe and effective deployment of resources and streamlined inter-agency cooperation within the existing provincial emergency response framework. The course is targeted to command-level fire, search and rescue, and police incident commanders as well as those holding emergency management positions for all levels of government including municipalities and regional districts.
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Swiftwater Awareness
This 4-hour classroom session provides an introduction to working safely around swiftwater. It prepares personnel to work in the “cold zone” (more than 10’ from fast-moving water) and is excellent background for anyone supervising personnel working in “warm” or “hot” zones within 10” of moving water.
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Swiftwater Operations
This 2 day course prepares personnel to work from a shore-based position near (within 10’ of) fast-moving water, an area sometimes called the “warm zone”.
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Swiftwater Rescue Technician - Level 1
This 3 day course is for those who work on or in fast-moving water or flood waters (the “hot zone”). It is our most popular swiftwater course, by far, because of its comprehensive nature.
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Swiftwater Rescue Technician - Advanced
This 3 1/2 day advanced course will expand the expertise of those who have taken SRT I into the realm of extreme whitewater situations, with the emphasis on victim rescue and night operations. Pre-requisite: SRT 1
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River Rescue for River Runners
This 1 1/2 day course is designed for outdoor recreationists who want to know how to “play safe” and what to do - fast - when things go wrong on the river. It is ideal for whitewater kayakers, canoeists, rafters and fishermen. Not NFPA compliant.
