Backcountry Swiftwater Safety

Backcountry Swiftwater Safety 

2 days 

Course Summary

The number one request of students from the Remote Worker Swiftwater Safety course is more time in the water! This course offers that. Allowing students the time to try additional skills and build additional confidence in the water. Emphasis remains on self-rescue and buddy rescue, while challenging the students with new skills, more dynamic environments, and additional time to practice the fundamentals.

This course is generally taught as a two day offering, with both days occurring on the river, for students who have previously completed the Remote Worker Swiftwater Safety course.

Learning Objectives (limited by location, logistics, and student needs)

• River swimming, self-rescue, and buddy rescue 

• Throw bag skills 

• Stream crossing techniques 

• Eddy swims

• Water hazards and rescue priorities 

• Scenarios 

• Command and control of large teams during an event 

• Strainer drills 

• River knife deployment 

• Live bait swims 

• Backpack escape drill 

• Lowering rescuer on a rope system 

• Cross-river traverse system 

• Knots and ropes 

• In-water mechanical advantage deployment 

• Swimmer rescue via raft and/or canoe

Prerequisites

• Completion of the classroom portion of the Remote Worker Swiftwater Safety course. The classroom portion of the course can be added before the river days, making this a three day course. 

• Recommended: Boat ingress and egress course. 

• At least 18 years of age or permission of a legal guardian.

Precourse Work

Students will have a leg up if they refresh the following knots and rope skills before the course: 

• Figure 8 Family (bend, bight, follow-through) 

• Alpine Butterfly Loop 

• Prusik 

• Water Knot 

• Basket Hitch (3-Bight Anchor) 

• Girth Hitch 

• Magic X (2 point self-equalizing anchor) 

• 3 to 1 mechanical advantage 

What to Bring

• Lifejacket. Type III or an appropriate type V with quick release. 

• Drysuit, gloves, booties, helmet. If needed, these items can be rented. 

• A river rescue knife and whistle. 

• Plenty of food and water. 

• Waders or splashwear (optional). 

• A change of clothes. 

Safety

Inherent risks are ever present with this training and there is absolutely no room for horseplay on the water or students creating scenarios without instructor approval. Students who horseplay or create scenarios may be removed from the course.

Certification and Attendance

Students who successfully demonstrate the appropriate knowledge and skills will receive certification for completing the Remote Swiftwater Worker Safety Course. Students who are absent from portions of the class may not have a chance to demonstrate the necessary knowledge and skills to receive certification.

Course Cost

Cost is dependent upon location and number of students. Please contact us for a quote.