ACA Swiftwater Rescue

ACA Essentials of River Safety & Rescue

This ACA course teaches recognition and avoidance of common river hazards, execution of self-rescue techniques and simple rescues of paddlers in distress in a flatwater environment. Emphasis is placed both on personal safety and on simple, commonly used skills. Fundamental techniques for dealing with hazards that carry greater risks for both victim and rescuer (entrapments, pins, etc.) are taught. This course is aimed primarily at new boaters or boaters who do not anticipate paddling in whitewater.

Minimum gear requirements:

Dress appropriately for weather (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 carabineers

Prerequisites:

Basic swimming ability

Other course information:

Price: $150
Experience Level: Beginner
Duration: 2 day (16 – 18 hours)
Minimum Age: 16 years old
Course Capacity: 8 – 18 participants

Course availability:

More dates to be announced soon. Contact us at rescue@usnwc.org to set up a class for your group.

ACA Swiftwater Rescue

This ACA course teaches recognition and avoidance of common river hazards, execution of self-rescue techniques, and rescue techniques for paddlers in distress in a swiftwater environment. Emphasis is placed both on personal safety and on simple commonly used skills. Techniques for dealing with hazards that carry greater risks for both victim and rescuer, such as strainers, rescue vest applications, entrapments, and pins are taught. These scenarios will provide the opportunity for participants to practice their skills both individually and within a team/group environment.

Minimum gear requirements:

Dress appropriately for weather (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 carabineers

Prerequisites:

Basic swimming ability

Other course information:

Price: $150
Experience Level: Beginner – Advanced
Minimum Age: 16 years old
Duration: 2 days (16 – 18 hours)
Course Capacity: 12 participants

Course availability:

More dates to be announced soon. Contact us at rescue@usnwc.org to set up a class for your group.

ACA Advanced Swiftwater Rescue

The ACA course is aimed at trip leaders, boaters paddling on more challenging whitewater, and anyone desiring the opportunity to develop their rescue skills. Critical judgment and rescue awareness, taken within the context of both group and personal safety, are emphasized throughout the course. This class focuses on developing judgment and applying skills in rescue scenarios. The scope and content of the course will vary, based upon participant needs, interests and experience.

Minimum gear requirements:

Dress appropriately for weather (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 carabineers

Prerequisites:

Basic swimming ability

Other course information:

Price: $150
Experience Level: Intermediate – Advanced
Duration: 2 day (16 – 18 hours)
Minimum Age: 16 years old
Course Capacity: 12 participants

ACA Swiftwater Rescue Instructor Program

The ACA Swiftwater Rescue Instructor Program is for individuals looking to become a certified swiftwater rescue instructor. The Swiftwater Instructor program includes a 2.5 day Instructor Development Workshop (IDW) and 2.5 day Instructor Certification Exam (ICE).

Instructor Development Workshop (IDW)

During the IDW instructor candidates will learn and demonstrate the required course skills, understand teaching techniques while also receiving feedback on improvement. Candidates will be required to demonstrate all skills and will be tested on their competence of each skill. Instructor Candidates will receive an exit interview at the end of the IDW.

Instructor Development Workshop – $250

Instructor Certification Exam (ICE)

The ICE follows the IDW either within the same week or a few weeks after. During the ICE, candidates will demonstrate their knowledge and skills by teaching the course curriculum to a group. Instructor Candidates are usually given 2 to 4 topics to teach during the exam which they will receive directly after the IDW.

Instructor Certification Exam – $250

Prerequisites, Eligibility Criteria, and Course Requirements

Please review ACA eligibility criteria, prerequisites and requirements here.

COURSE AVAILABILITY:

More dates to be announced soon. Contact us at rescue@usnwc.org to set up a class for your group.