Swift Water Rescuer I

The Swift Water Rescuer I program is designed and presented with an emphasis on river / flood site assessment, providing shore based support for team members and in-water self rescue. The primary objective of the course is to give people practical distinctions for safe versus non-safe, water sites and environments. The skills that are taught within the program are directed at decision making based on the “Hazards to Observe” (H2O) system developed by RMAM and designed specifically for responders assigned tasks around a moving water, rescue or recovery site. Suitable sites are viewed and assessed with the H2O evaluator as well as many opportunities for learning defensive and offensive swimming and wading techniques.

Participants receive a course workbook and the H2O evaluator. Participants are expected to provide a suitable wet or dry suit, PFD and white-water helmet as well as out of the water clothing suitable for the out-day portion of the program.

The program meets the recommendations of the NFPA at the awareness level (NFPA Rescuer Level I). We recommend that participants repeat the course within 3 years.

Hours: 16
Notes: Maximum group size is 8 with one instructor

Swift Water Rescuer II

Swift Water Rescuer II program builds on the skills learned in Swift Water Rescuer Level I). The focus at this level is the planning and executing of rescue from a moving water or flood environment. Rescue systems and alternatives will be studied and expertise in system set up and deployment are the primary objectives. Several sites will be viewed and assessed for rescue alternatives and system deployment. These sites will be specific to identified “sites of interest” where the need for rescue and or recovery are of concern.

Participants receive a course workbook. Participants are expected to provide a suitable wet or dry suit, PFD equipped with rescue belt and white water helmet as well as out of the water clothing suitable for the out-day portion of the program.

The program meets the recommendations of the NFPA at the Rescuer II level. We recommend that participants repeat the course within 3 years.

Hours: 20-24
Notes: Maximum group size is 8 with one instructor

Course Topics

  • Safety philosophy and attitude
    • goals of the safe water environment
    • hazard vulnerability assessment (H2O Evaluator)
    • general rules and philosophy
    • safety behavior and prevention of accidents
  • The Water Environment
    • characteristics of current and flow
    • the formation of rapids
    • wave formation
    • classifying rapids and river volumes
    • water hazards
  • PPE
    • personal gear
    • safety equipment
    • correct fitting and function
  • Self Rescue
    • swimming
    • defensive positioning
    • offensive positioning
  • River Crossing Techniques
    • tripod and lean (solo)
    • line astern
    • circle
    • wedge
  • Rescue Organization
    • roles and responsibilities
    • the plan
    • communication
    • resources
  • The Throw Bag
    • storage and care
    • general principles of deploying
    • throwing & retrieving
    • contacting catching & landing the swimmer
  • Contact Rescues
    • rescuer concerns
    • victim behaviour
  • First Aid (specific to cold water environment)
    • drowning and near drowning
    • cold water immersion
    • hypothermia