River Rescue Certification Advanced/Professional

April - October

Instruction Hours: 16 Hours

Dates:

• TBD

Location: Varies

Meeting Locations

Jackson, WY: Hoback Market unless otherwise stated

This internationally recognized certification was written for professional BOATERS, by professional BOATERS. It is a fast paced, scenario based course designed to develop the ability to choose good actions when a river rescue is necessary. This curriculum is for river guides and kayakers that spend a good portion of their lives on the river in a professional capacity, and therefore have a solid base of boating and basic rescue skills already. Skills such as basic ascending, raising and lowering technique are integrated in the course and scenarios. (For those wanting to upgrade to River Rescue Professional a skills assessment takes place throughout the course with final testing at the end of the course.) This energetic and physical curriculum will be challenging and focused on quick reaction time with a thorough understanding of options and resources. The skills testing component will emphasize knowing your own limits, skill level, knowledge of basic rope skills and the ability to execute a rescue as part of a team. The challenges of responding at night are highlighted in the night op.

The task book at the end lays out easy ways to keep your certification current with continuing education and testing day options. This three day, intensive and comprehensive course takes professional certification for the professional boater to a whole new level.

Course Prerequisites: River Rescue Certification (or comparable swiftwater rescue course and certification)

Instruction Hours: 16 Hours

Certification: River Rescue Certification Advanced/Professional // Sierra Rescue International
*This course can also be certified as an American Canoe Association ACA Level 4 Swiftwater Rescue course - please inquire.

Suggested Renewal Period: 3 Years

Minimum Age: 18 years

This course starts promptly at 8:30 AM. We meet in the morning for a quick classroom session, then move to the river. We will be in the water for the rest of the day, so be prepared with everything you'll need for the day.

Day 1: 8:30AM - 5:30PM (approximate)
Day 2: 8:30AM - 5:30PM and 6:30-10:30PM (Night Op) (approximate)

Course Fees: $357.50

This dynamic swiftwater rescue course is best suited for:

• professional river guides

• professional fishing guides

• recreational packrafters

• recreational kayakers

• recreational canoeists

• recreational rafters

• SUP paddlers

• other river users

Please read through all the course information and prepare yourself for rigorous field instruction over the two-day course. If you have any questions, please contact us right away.

What to Bring

Food and Water
We will be in the field most of day. Pack a healthy lunch with plenty of snacks for the day. Bring a water bottle with enough water for yourself.

Clothing
Dress in warm layers (synthetic or wool) and make sure to bring extra layers with you. Make sure you have dry clothing to change into at the end of the day.

For the Water...

• Drysuit with synthetic layers or full wetsuit (drysuits are recommended because we spend so much time getting in and out of the water and the weather can be variable)

  • drysuits can be rented from Pacific River Supply (510-223-3675) / check the website for current rates and shipping options

• PFD - type III or IV with whistle and knife (knife optional)

• Helmet - lightweight swiftwater or climbing helmet

• Footwear - hard soled wetsuit booties or stable shoes for walking in the river and on the riverbank / wool socks and/or wetsuit socks

• Wetsuit gloves (optional)

• Waterproof headlamp and/or flashlight

Gear
Bring any rescue gear that you currently use (locking carabiners, pulleys, prusik, webbing, throw bag, etc). If you are a kayaker, bring your kayak and paddle. This course offers you the chance to use the gear you are likely to have on hand.


Plan on very active days and homework at night. We integrate classroom materials throughout the course and work through as many scenario-based and case-study skills as possible. Dress for full immersion. Come ready and prepared to be outside in the elements for most of the course. We will emphasize self-rescue, throw bag rescue, entrapments, thinking through a rescue, and rope and rescue techniques that have been tested and proven successful in real rescues. We will improve awareness of safety skills in an advanced river environment including understanding and practicing structure in advanced emergency situations, developing and practicing advanced rescue techniques and understanding your own strengths and weaknesses. Please let us know if there is an aspect of the course that is especially relevant to your river interest so that we can tailor the course content accordingly.

Certification: River Rescue Certification Advanced/Professional // Sierra Rescue International