This course is designed to prepare emergency response personnel to perform rescue operations in fast moving water emergencies. Topics include pre-planning, personal protective equipment, search parameters, incident action plans, swiftwater rescue techniques, advanced rope systems in the aquatic environment, and use of watercraft and helicopters in water rescue operations. Students will participate in moving water exercises to demonstrate proficiency in appropriate skills. This course meets applicable portions of Chapter 9, Water Search and Rescue, NFPA 1670 Standard Operations and Training for Technical Rescue Incidents (2017 edition), and, Chapter 12, Swiftwater Rescue, of NFPA 1006, Rescue Technician Professional Qualifications (2021 edition).
Special requirements
Participants will need a full wet suit/surface dry suit, tennis shoes / booties, a lightweight rescue-type/whitewater-type helmet, lightweight leather or ski gloves, a personal flotation device rated for swiftwater operations with a minimum buoyancy rating of 22 pounds, and flashlight or headlamp.
- Participants will be required to complete an entrance level swim test on the first day of class. Swim test will consist of a 300 meter swim in a pool setting, using only forward (power) strokes, with no rest breaks, and no swim aids, in 10 minutes or less. Participants who fail this entry-level test will not be allowed to participate in remaining program.
- Participants will also be tested on the first day of class for prerequisite knowledge of ropes and knots. Participants should be prepared to perform knot tying and mechanical advantage systems as outlined in NFPA 1006, Chapter 5, subsections 5.5.1-5.5.4 and Chapter 6 subsections 6.1.1-6.1.4 and 6.1.7-6.1.8, 2017 edition.
- A partial refund of registration fee will be given for any student who fails this entrance tests.
- Participants will be required to participate in a night drill on the second day of class.
Prerequisites
- Surface Water Rescue
- Rope Rescue: Awareness/Operations
- Rope Rescue: Awareness, Operations and Technician
Host requirements
Continuing education units (CEUs)
- EMS: EMT/Paramedic/Registered Nurse - Operations 16 hours