Water

Swiftwater Awareness

An introduction to working safely around fast-moving water. The emphasis is on the identification of hazards, self rescue and the use of basic river rescue gear. This is a theoretical session only, with no on-river component. It prepares personnel to work in the “cold zone” (more than 10’ from fast-moving water). Therefore, it is most appropriate for supervisors of personnel who work in a swiftwater environment, as an excellent overview of due diligence requirements and risk management.

Details

Duration: 4 hours
Format: Classroom only - no water component
Cost: $99

Pre-requisites

  • 16+ years of age

Required Equipment

  • None
  • Come prepared for note-taking

FAQ

More details about swiftwater courses including what to expect and how to prepare. Click here for our Swiftwater FAQ. (Does not apply to Swiftwater Awareness.)

General Objectives

  • Develop an understanding of the legal issues surrounding the training of personnel to work safely in a swiftwater environment
  • Develop an understanding of the risks and hazards associated with moving water.
  • Develop an understanding of the types of skills required in order to work safely in, on or in close proximity to swiftwater
  • Develop an understanding of how to select the appropriate level of training for personnel who work near fast-moving water

Course Content

  • Rescue philosophy
  • WCB, legal responsibility and due diligence
  • Training levels linked to job requirements
  • Identification of river dynamics and hazards
  • Personal safety equipment
  • Throw bagging
  • Self rescue
  • On-river communications
  • Low to high risk rescue of others
  • Documentation and record-keeping

Course Outline

  • Introductions and paperwork 20 min.
  • Lecture - 90 min.
  • Break - 10 min.
  • Video - 30 min.
  • Lecture - 90 min.
  • Course concludes.

 

Water Courses

Register

Upcoming Dates

Sept 15 & 16

Swiftwater - Operations

Sep 25-27, 2010

Swiftwater - Technician (SRT I)

Sep 28-30, 2010

Swiftwater - Technician (SRT I)

Sep 29 - Oct 1

Swiftwater - Advanced

Oct 12-14, 2010

Swiftwater - Technician (SRT I)

Oct 12-14, 2010

Swiftwater - Technician (SRT I)

See full schedule

Thanks for a great course! The instructor did a fantastic job - his approach was practical, he was obviously experienced and kept the pace moving along while allowing for plenty of practice time.

Fiona Dercole - North Vancouver - Public Safety

photo gallery

View All

what’s new?

New Law Supports Search and Rescue Groups

March 25, 2010—The Alberta Legislature passed Bill 6, the Emergency Management Amendment Act 2010, which supports search and rescue groups with liability protection when acting in good faith and enables communities to deliver emergency services regionally.

our approach

We believe training should be tailored to the specific needs of each client. While we teach all the skills and knowledge necessary for certification, we approach a course for emergency personnel in an entirely different manner than one for resource managers or outdoor guides.