Swiftwater Rescue - 2 Day
Swiftwater Rescue - 2 Day
Join Our Two-Day Swiftwater Safety & Rescue Clinic!
Held on the scenic Arkansas River near Salida, this hands-on clinic is designed for river enthusiasts of all skill levels—whether you're a beginner, a private boater, or an experienced commercial guide. Our goal is to provide you with the skills and confidence to stay safe on the water and respond effectively in emergencies.
What You’ll Learn:
Gain practical experience in assessing river conditions, making smart decisions, and handling swiftwater rescue situations with confidence. Throughout the course, you'll develop critical skills to ensure both personal and group safety.
Topics Include:
River rescue techniques tailored for real-world scenarios
Whitewater swimming and self-rescue skills
Effective throw bagging techniques
Planning for swiftwater situations
Extractions and synches for complex rescues
Mechanical advantage systems for efficient rescue operations
Through a hands-on, practical approach, you'll have the opportunity to practice these skills in real river conditions, working alongside experienced instructors in a supportive environment. Teamwork, communication, and staying calm under pressure will be key themes throughout the clinic.
Certification:
Upon successful completion, participants will receive an ACA Swiftwater Rescue (SWR) Certificate of Completion, a respected credential recognized by raft guides, river professionals, and outdoor educators.
Who Should Attend?
Whether you’re looking to build new river safety skills or refresh your existing knowledge, this clinic is ideal for anyone who wants to feel more prepared and confident on the water.
We look forward to helping you build the skills you need for safe and enjoyable river adventures!
Offered in 2025:
May 3 - 4
July 5 - 6
August 16 - 17
Select date below:
We offer both two-day and three-day Swiftwater Rescue training courses. Both options include the same core curriculum and cover the ACA Level 4 material. The three-day course provides additional time to explore mechanical advantage in greater depth, including the 3:1 (Z-Drag) system. It also features more hands-on scenarios to practice these skills and allows for a more paced progression through the material.
Course Overview: The Swiftwater Rescue workshop teaches recognition and avoidance of common river hazards, execution of self-rescue techniques, and rescue techniques for paddlers in distress. Emphasis is placed both on personal safety and on simple, commonly used skills. Fundamental and more advanced techniques for dealing with hazards that carry greater risks for both victim and rescuer, such as strainers, rescue vest applications, entrapments, and pins, also are practiced. Scenarios will provide an opportunity for participants to practice their skills both individually and within a team/group context.
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 its strengths and weaknesses
Utilize rescue scene management principles needed within a paddling group
Please review the Essential Eligibility Criteria (EEC) and a basic gear list here.
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The core of the material is very much the same. Both the 2 day and 3 day classes meet the 16 hours as defined for a “L4” ACA swiftwater rescue course, and participants will receive a Proof of Completion Certificate.
The difference is that the 3 day allows us to spend more time on various aspects of practice including taking a much deeper dive into more complex mechanical advantage systems including the “Z-Drag.” Along with additional skills practice, the 3 day will also include more in-water scenarios to facilitate working a rescue as a team and to experience those skills in action.
Please call us at 719-398-1180 with any additional questions you might have.