In cooperation with the Kent County Sheriff Office, Dive Rescue International is presenting a Swiftwater Rescue Boat Handling Operations training April 26-28, 2024 in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
OBJECTIVE
To improve student readiness to respond in swiftwater situations, students learn search techniques using motorized and non-motorized boats in swiftwater environments focusing on safe navigation while accessing high probability search areas. Students learn in classroom, pre-plan on dry land, move to still or slow water, and then into current.
RECOMMENDED FOR – Water response teams and personnel expecting to use watercraft as rescue platforms or tools for search and recovery in moving water.
DURATION – 3 Days / 24 Hours
PREREQUISITES – All students must be a member of a public safety agency, at least 18 years of age, and show proof of Swiftwater Rescue I training from a recognized organization.
This program is designed for personnel who are physically fit. Participants are encouraged to participate after successfully completing the IADRS Watermanship Test or testing to a fitness level of 13 MET (Metabolic Equivalents) or greater. Participants with aerobic fitness questions or concerns should consult their physician prior to in-water training. Participants who have poor aerobic fitness may attend this program as surface support personnel with the approval of the instructor.
Topics
- Boat introduction, requirements, handling, and maintenance
- Navigation of vessels
- Paddling
- High siding
- High riding in swiftwater
- Eddy turns
- Peel outs
- Closing
- Bearing away
- Navigation hazards
- Anchoring
- Anticipating events in dynamic, swiftwater environments
