ACA Level 4: Swiftwater Rescue

The Swiftwater Rescue workshop teaches recognition and avoidance of common river hazards, execution of self-rescue techniques, and rescue techniques for paddlers in distress.

This two-day comprehensive workshop includes hands-on practice time and advanced rescue techniques. Information is tied together at the end of the course with a mock rescue scenario. Course objectives will include:

  • Promote proactive prevention of river accidents and injuries
  • Develop and practice key self-rescue skills
  • Identify and avoid river hazards by understanding hydrology, hazards, and river features
  • Focus on fast, low-risk strategies for early management of river accidents
  • Develop and practice methods for recovering swimmers, and loose boats and equipment
  • Develop and practice more advanced rope-based and in-water skills
  • Gain experience using the rescue PFD, and understand it’s strengths and weaknesses
  • Utilize rescue scene management principles needed within a paddling group

Packing List

ACA Gear List

General Information

Course Length

16 hours / 2 days

Prerequisites

  • Be able to independently participate in all individual skills and activities listed in the course outline while also maintaining an appropriate and safe body position
  • Be able to hold their breath while under water and, while in the water wearing a properly fitted lifejacket, be able to independently turn from a face down to a face up position keeping their head above water
  • Be able to effectively communicate with the instructor and other course participants
  • Be able to manage all personal care independently, or with the assistance of a companion
  • Be able to manage all personal mobility independently, or with the assistance of a companion
  • Comfort in class II whitewater preferred

Certifications Received

Certificate of Completion.

Course Length

None.

Course Expectations

Course Objectives:

  • Promote proactive prevention of river accidents and injuries.
  • Develop and practice key self-rescue skills.
  • Identify and avoid river hazards by understanding hydrology, hazards, and river features.
  • Focus on fast, low-risk strategies for early management of river accidents
  • Develop and practice methods for recovering swimmers, and loose boats and equipment
  • Develop and practice more advanced rope-based and in-water skills
  • Gain experience using the rescue PFD, and understand it’s strengths and weaknesses
  • Utilize rescue scene management principles needed within a paddling group

Students who are active ACA members at the time of their course can request a Skills Assessment from their instructor.

Because of commuting time to and from river sites, participants should plan to pack their lunches each day, to maximize time in class. Bringing plenty of snacks and water, layers and dry clothes is important, as folks get cold each afternoon with the amount of time in the water practicing skills. Please review the ACA Gear List to best prepare for a comfortable experience.

There are no examination requirements at the close of this course, however attendance, participation, acquisition of skills, and ability to work in a group will be monitored throughout the course.

Class will end between 5PM and 6PM on the last day of the course. Please do not plan to leave before then, or make travel plans requiring an earlier departure.