Swiftwater Rescue Combo
SWRC Youngstown, OH – Class Flyer
OBJECTIVE
Whether your community’s river is wide and smooth-flowing or narrow and rapid-packed, the principles of rescue are virtually identical. Swiftwater rescue operations are inherently dangerous and with the complications of fast current, low-head dams, and/or hidden debris, they can become deadly. Prepare for these special hazards by learning how to organize and manage safe swiftwater rescue operations. This physically demanding program is designed to improve your personal readiness to respond to swiftwater emergency situations. In the second half of class, you will build on your basic swiftwater rescue skills to run safe and successful operations. Participants in this program should be prepared for multiple challenging in-water scenarios, so students should have excellent swimming skills.
MAIN TOPICS
- Hydrology/Dynamics of Moving Water
- Planning Swiftwater Operations
- Site Survey
- Hazard Identification
- Personal Protective Equipment
- Survival Float & Swim Techniques
- Mechanical Rigging Systems
- Locating Hidden Obstructions
- Use of Inflatable Boats
- Low-head Dams
- Swiftwater Search Techniques
- Operational Planning
- Advanced Ropes, Knots, and Rigging
- Swimming Exercises
- Swiftwater Rescue Board Exercises
- Advanced River Rescue Scenarios
- Triage Exercises
- Water-Bound Victim Extrication
PREREQUISITES
- At least 18 years of age
- Member of a Public Safety Agency
- Physically fit (13 MET or greater recommended)
BRING TO CLASS
All students will need:
- U.S. Coast Guard approved Personal Flotation Device (PFD)
- A knife
- A whistle
- Adequate clothing for working outside
- Pen and paper for taking notes and sketching
Students participating in-water must provide their own equipment including: swiftwater appropriate exposure suit, fins, boogie board, gloves, and footwear.
