Swiftwater Rescue Swiftwater Rescue
Returning Spring 2025

Swiftwater Rescue

Gain experience operating paddle boats or learn new rescue skills and procedures. Also for rescue professionals looking to specialize in swiftwater and flood rescues.

Registration is currently closed. Inquire at the link below to be notified when registration reopens.

Swiftwater Rescue Inquiry Form – Whitewater Center

Swiftwater Rescue

USNWC Swiftwater and Flood Rescue I: Technician

As the first part of the Swiftwater and Flood Rescue curriculum, this course is designed for the rescue professionals looking to become a technician in swiftwater and flood rescues.

USNWC Swiftwater and Flood Rescue I: Technician

Duration: 2 days (16-18 hours)

Price: $260/person

Age: 18+

Prerequisites: Basic swimming ability

Course Capacity: 10-24 participants

Minimum Gear Requirements:

  • Appropriate weather attire (drysuit, wetsuit, etc.)
  • Helmet (lightweight water or kayak helmet)
  • PFD (USCG Type III or V)
  • Shoes (thick-soled water booties or tennis shoes)
  • Throw bag
  • Two locking carabiners
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USNWC Swiftwater and Flood Rescue II: Technician

As a continuation of Swiftwater and Flood Rescue I, this course continues the curriculum to become a technician in swiftwater and flood rescue.

USNWC Swiftwater and Flood Rescue II: Technician

Duration: 3 days (24-27 hours)

Price: $320/person

Age: 18+

Prerequisites:

  • Basic swimming ability
  • Must have completed USNWC SWR I

Course Capacity: 10-24 participants

Minimum Gear Requirements:

  • Appropriate weather attire (drysuit, wetsuit, etc.)
  • Helmet (lightweight water or kayak helmet)
  • PFD (USCG Type III or V)
  • Shoes (thick-soled water booties or tennis shoes)
  • Throw bag
  • Two locking carabiners
  • learn, swift water rescue

USNWC Swiftwater Rescue Refresher

A one day refresher course designed to fortify techniques and knowledge for swiftwater rescues.

USNWC Swiftwater Rescue Refresher

Duration: 1 day (8 hours)

Price: $115/person

Age: 18+

Prerequisites:

  • Basic swimming ability
  • Completion of one swiftwater rescue course within past 3 years.

Course Capacity: 8-18 participants

Minimum Gear Requirements:

  • Appropriate weather attire (drysuit, wetsuit, etc.)
  • Helmet (lightweight water or kayak helmet)
  • PFD (USCG Type III or V)
  • Shoes (thick-soled water booties or tennis shoes)
  • Throw bag
  • Two locking carabiners
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USNWC Night Operations Course

A course exposing students to low and no-light swiftwater and flood rescue scenarios.

USNWC Night Operations Course

Duration: 8-9 hours

Price: $300/person (Water fee is included in price)

Age: 18+

Prerequisites:

  • Basic swimming ability
  • Completion of the USNWC SWR I and II (or equivalent) within the last 2 years.

Course Capacity: 10-18 participants

Minimum Gear Requirements:

  • Appropriate weather attire (drysuit, wetsuit, etc.)
  • Waterproof headlamp
  • Helmet (lightweight water or kayak helmet)
  • PFD (USCG Type III or V)
  • Shoes (thick-soled water booties or tennis shoes)
  • Throw bag
  • Two locking carabiners
  • Any additional rigging gear your team would like to use (not required)
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Swiftwater and Flood Rescue Awareness Level Course

A comprehensive presentation that provides essential knowledge for support staff faced with a swiftwater or flood event.

Swiftwater and Flood Rescue Awareness Level Course

Duration: 4 hours

Price: $75/person

Course Capacity: 10-100 participants

Travel Fee: Courses outside of 100 mile radius will incur a travel fee

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Paddleboat Operator Courses

Paddle Boat Operator Course I: Intro

An introduction to paddle boat operation.

Paddle Boat Operator Course I: Intro

Duration: 1 day (8 hours)

Price: $125/person

Age: 18+

Course Capacity: 8-18 participants

Prerequisites: Basic swimming ability

Minimum Gear Requirements:

  • Appropriate weather attire (drysuit, wetsuit, etc.)
  • Helmet (lightweight water or kayak helmet)
  • PFD (USCG Type III or V)
  • Shoes (thick-soled water booties or tennis shoes)
  • Throw bag
  • Two locking carabiners
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Paddle Boat Operator Course II: Development

Continue honing paddling skills while being tested in class II+ whitewater.

Paddle Boat Operator Course II: Development

Duration: 2 days (16-18 hours)

Price: $230/person

Age: 18+

Course Capacity: 8-18 participants

Prerequisites: Basic swimming ability

Minimum Gear Requirements:

  • Appropriate weather attire (drysuit, wetsuit, etc.)
  • Helmet (lightweight water or kayak helmet)
  • PFD (USCG Type III or V)
  • Shoes (thick-soled water booties or tennis shoes)
  • Throw bag
  • Two locking carabiners
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Paddle Boat Operator Course III: Advanced

Learn about advanced paddling techniques, the avoidance of common river hazards and raft recoveries.

Paddle Boat Operator Course III: Advanced

Duration: 2 days (16-18 hours)

Price: $230/person

Age: 18+

Course Capacity: 8-18 participants

Prerequisites:

  • Basic swimming ability
  • Completion of Paddle Boat Operator 1 course

Minimum Gear Requirements:

  • Appropriate weather attire (drysuit, wetsuit, etc.)
  • Helmet (lightweight water or kayak helmet)
  • PFD (USCG Type III or V)
  • Shoes (thick-soled water booties or tennis shoes)
  • Throw bag
  • Two locking carabiners
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USNWC Swiftwater Refresher - Intro to Paddle Boat Operator Course

A two-day course designed to fortify techniques and knowledge for swiftwater rescues and introduce participants to Paddle Boat Operator training.

USNWC Swiftwater Refresher – Intro to Paddle Boat Operator Course

Duration: 2 days (16 hours)

Price: $230/person

Age: 18+

Course Capacity: 8-18 participants

Prerequisites:

  • Basic swimming ability
  • Minimum of 1 swiftwater course within past 3 years

Minimum Gear Requirements:

  • Appropriate weather attire (drysuit, wetsuit, etc.)
  • Helmet (lightweight water or kayak helmet)
  • PFD (USCG Type III or V)
  • Shoes (thick-soled water booties or tennis shoes)
  • Throw bag
  • Two locking carabiners
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