American Canoe Association

Swiftwater Rescue Training

Level 4:

Level 4 class is faster-paced and more technical:

Designed for advanced paddlers and the guiding community.

This is a 2-day, 16+ hour swiftwater rescue course.  Upon completion, students may earn up to a Level 4 certification through the internationally recognized American Canoe Association.

The goal of this course is to promote swiftwater education amongst whitewater professionals and enthusiasts, including rafters, kayakers, pack rafters, cat boaters, river boarders, canoists, and SUP paddlers.

• Understanding and interacting with river environments and conditions
• Group dynamics and how they set the tone for every rescue.
• Rescue prevention
• Risk assessment, risk management, and how to meet the needs of yourself, your team, your group, and your victim. 
• Essential equipment needed when whitewater raft guiding and how it can be applied when the need for rescue arises.
• How to practice proper equipment safety and handling protocols.
• Simple through advanced rescue techniques and practice them in both land-based and on-water-based environments. 
• Multiple on-water scenarios in a challenge-by-choice environment. During this, we practice skills while focusing on strengthening team dynamics, promoting effective, efficient, and most importantly responsible rescues. 
• Properly setting up and effectively using advanced rope rescue systems with or without mechanical advantage. 
• Courses will generally come to a close with on-water scenarios that encourage students to work as a team, to be dynamic and adaptable when performing a rescue, and to utilize the resources available.

Course Length:

• 2 Days (16+ hours)

PRE-REQUISITES:

• A moderate to advanced knowledge of river paddling and associated skills.

Courses will be based at our post:

25 Bz Glenwood Hwy, White Salmon, Washington 98672.

• White Salmon River
• Klickitat River