Remote Worker Swiftwater Safety 

(Swiftwater Rescue) (2 days)

Course Summary

This course is designed for personnel working on, adjacent to, or crossing class I and class II water. Emphasis is on self-rescue and buddy rescue in remote environments with the limited rescue equipment.

Learning Objectives 

• River swimming, self-rescue, and buddy rescue 

• Throw bag skills 

• Stream crossing techniques 

• Water hazards and rescue priorities 

• Swiftwater characteristics 

• Coldwater immersion rescue and treatment 

Prerequisites

• At least 18 years of age or permission of a legal guardian.

Schedule

Day One, 8 hours (classroom based)

• Swiftwater characteristics, assessing on-site operations, communication on the water, personal protective equipment (PPE), cold water immersion, knots, ropes, and drysuit fitting.

Day Two, 8 hours plus travel (on the river)

• Swimming, throw bags, stream crossings, log drill, final exam, and optional non-drysuit swim.

The schedule is subject to change based on extenuating circumstances, such as changes in local water conditions. The river portion of the course may be cancelled entirely if a safe venue is unavailable.

What to Bring

Day One: Classroom attire. A break for lunch will be provided.

Day Two: A type III PFD (aka lifejacket: preferably the model you typically wear during field work) thermal layers, a sack lunch, plenty of water, and a change of clothes. No stoves or open flames while wearing the drysuits as they are easily damaged and cost $800 each to replace. Sunscreen and bug dope are also prohibited as they will quickly destroy the latex of the drysuits. If the sun or bugs are a concern for you, bring a wide brim hat and bug net.

Safety

Inherent risks are ever present with this training and there is absolutely no room for horseplay on the water or students creating scenarios without instructor approval. Students who horseplay or create scenarios may be removed from the course.

PPE (Personal Protective Equipment)

Drysuit, gloves, booties, helmet, and PFDs (lifejackets) must be worn by all participants. All required PPE can be provided for an additional fee if requested sufficiently prior to the course.

Certification and Attendance

Students who successfully demonstrate the appropriate knowledge and skills will receive certification for completing the Remote Swiftwater Worker Safety Course. Students who are absent from portions of the class may not have a chance to demonstrate the necessary knowledge and skills to receive certification.

Course Cost

Cost is dependent upon location and number of students. Please contact us for a quote.