Join Diver Rescue International and the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office for Swiftwater Rescue I training April 5-7, 2024.

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. Participants in this program should be prepared for multiple in-water scenarios.

This program is presented in the classroom and open water to allow students to become familiar with different field scenarios. Successful completion of this program is measured in class participation and an end of program comprehensive test.

Key training topics include:

• SWIFTWATER ORIENTATION
• HAZARD AWARENESS
• FUNDAMENTAL RESCUE TECHNIQUES
• GENERAL PATIENT CARE
• KNOTS AND RIGGINGS

PREREQUISITES

All students must be a current member of a public safety agency and at least 18 years of age. 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.

BE SURE TO BRING

All students should bring clothing appropriate for weather conditions, adequate footwear, watersports helmet, and U.S. Coast Guard approved P.F.D. (Type III or V) with whistle and cutting tool, and pen and paper. In-water participants must provide their own wetsuit or swiftwater dry suit, water rescue gloves, work gloves and fins.