Pre-course prep
For private group training, it is up to your organization to choose whether you want all participants to complete pre-course training on our online platform, or to cover all of the material in-person.
Daily schedule
The Ice Rescue Technician course includes 3 full days of instruction.
Days usually begin with participants learning and practicing techniques indoors or on ‘dry-land’, followed by going out onto the ice and into the water.
Typical course hours are 8:30am to 5:30pm each day—though for private group training we can adjust the start and end times to meet the needs of your group and participants.
Attendance is mandatory
Attendance for 100% of class time is mandatory. If a student can’t make a session, they need to get permission from the instructor in advance, and they may not be able to achieve the certification.
Students who miss a section of the course without pre-approval may be asked to leave the course.
Assessment and evaluation for certification
One of the most valuable aspects of the Boreal River Rescue – Ice Rescue Technician certification is that it includes practical evaluation. This means that an individual holding the certification has demonstrated competency with ice rescue and not simply attended a workshop.
Each participants’ practical skills will be assessed throughout the course within
a supportive, professional, and fun learning environment. Students get multiple chances to demonstrate competency with the skills.
To achieve the Ice Rescue Technician (IRT) certification each participant needs to:
- Attend all sessions and participate throughout the course
- Demonstrate an understanding of ice safety and rescue concepts
- Demonstrate their ability to assess ice conditions and perform self-rescues and subject-rescues in accordance with the course standards
- Demonstrate their ability to participate in and lead team rescues including scene size-up and management, communications, accessing and stabilizing subjects, and transport on weak ice
Certification is valid for 3 years from the date of issue.
Recertification in Ice Rescue Technician
Individuals recertify by re-taking a 3-day Ice Rescue Technician course every three years.
We also provide Annual 1-day IRT Recertification courses for private groups. To be eligible for the 1-day IRT Recertification, individuals need to have received their previous certification in the last 14 months.