ACA Level 5: Advanced Swiftwater Rescue

The Advanced Swiftwater Rescue workshop is aimed at trip leaders, boaters paddling on more challenging whitewater, and anyone desiring opportunities to develop their rescue skills.

This advanced course consists of 1-2 more days of additional training in technical rescue and multiple scenarios. It is designed for individuals who have completed a Level 4: Swiftwater Rescue course within the last three years. Course objectives include:

  • Reinforce basic rescue skills, including swimming/self rescue, throw ropes, and boat based rescue
  • Practice skills during multiple scenarios
  • Refine and extend critical judgment through multiple scenarios
  • Develop and practice more advanced rope-based and in-water skills

Course Outline

ACA Level 5: Advanced Swiftwater Rescue Course Outline

Packing List

ACA Gear List

General Information

Course Length

8 hours / 1 day

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
  • Completion of Level 4: Swiftwater Rescue course within last 3 years

Certifications Received

Certificate of Completion.

Course Length

None.

Course Expectations

For the ACA’s specific eligibility requirements, go to: http://www.americancanoe.org/?page=EEC

Course Objectives:

  • Reinforce basic rescue skills, including swimming/self rescue, throw ropes, and boat-based rescue
  • Practice skills during multiple scenarios
  • Refine and extend critical judgment through multiple scenarios
  • Develop and practice more advanced rope-based and in-water skills

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 or you will risk certification.