1. Train safely
The span of control throughout the Swiftwater Rescue Technician course is an industry leading 7:1 (trainees to instructors). We’ll conduct training with maximum learning while minimizing actual risk. Your personnel will pick up on good risk management practices to carry into your in-house training—and onto your calls.
2. Learn from river pros
Our instructors have all 3 of these qualifications:
- Years of whitewater guiding and paddling experience
- Education/instructional background
- Rescue expertise
Nobody becomes a BRR instructor without hundreds of hours of river time. Your team will learn and pick up good habits from true river professionals.
3. Your ongoing training plan is included
Along with the course, you get written lesson plans (including safety plans) for 6 river practice modules and 6 dry land sessions to use for in-house training throughout the year, to help ensure your success. We’ll customize the training plans for your agency.
Pre-course prep
Pre-course prep is optional. It is up to the course organizer if you’d like to include this as part of this course.
If you choose pre-course prep, we’ll send each participant a link to our online learning platform once they’re registered. Here they can access the Preparation Guide with full instructions and resources. Budget 4 – 6 hours to complete the work online.
By learning the pre-course material first, we can spend more course time practicing where it matters: on and around the river.
Attendance is mandatory
Attendance for 100% of class time is mandatory. 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 Boreal River Rescue – Swiftwater Rescue Technician (SRT) certification is that it includes a practical evaluation. This proves that an individual holding the certification has demonstrated competency with their river rescue skills and not simply attended a workshop.
The assessment takes place on the river in a supportive and professional environment with the goals of evaluation, review, and continued learning. Students will get multiple chances to demonstrate competency with their skills.
To achieve the SRT certification students need to:
- Attend all sessions and participate throughout the course
- Demonstrate an understanding of river safety and river rescue concepts
- Pass the practical evaluation on the last day.
Certification is valid for 3 years from the date of issue.
Recertification and skill maintenance
Those holding current Swiftwater Rescue Technician (SRT) certification can recertify through a 2-day SRT-Recert course.
There is a pre-course review component that students must complete by the start of the Recert course.
Another option for organizations seeking more frequent refreshers is an annual 1-day recertification.
Customized training
While this course has a standardized curriculum, we’ll work with you to customize the training and delivery according to your group’s needs. Instructors choose training sites and design practice drills that are relevant to the nature of your rescue calls and available resources.
Get information on group training to learn about customizing courses and combining swiftwater rescue courses with other training.
Pricing for 3-day Swiftwater Rescue Technician course
- Group of 10 to 12: $559 CAD per student—plus instructor travel costs
- If you have less than 10 people, that’s no problem, but the price per person will be higher. This still often ends up working out better for you than paying for your whole team to travel elsewhere for training
What’s included in a group course?
- Full days of professional instruction
- Rescue training equipment (throw ropes, hardware, mock strainer, etc.) and safety equipment (first aid kits, inflatable kayak, cell or sat phone)
- Drysuits: rent for $135 for the entire 3 day course
- Wetsuit – 4mm, fleece lined with full-length arms and legs $63 for the entire 3 day course
- Rescue PFD’s: $40 for the entire 3 day course
- Helmets: $12 for the entire 3 day course
- Pre-course prep document including list of skills to practice (dry land), resources, video links and information resources
- Ongoing training support
Course organizer provides
- Indoor classroom space and access to an outdoor practice area
- Classroom equipment: tables, chairs, projector or television, whiteboard
- Agency-specific rescue and extrication equipment
- Communicating with students and providing pre-course information
Students or course organizer provides
- Transportation to course sites
- Meals and snacks
Student takeaways
- Swiftwater Rescue Technician certification (valid for three years upon successful completion of the course) with course records maintained in our database
- Digital certification card and reflective helmet sticker
- Practical evaluation record sheet—list of skills and knowledge components keyed to NFPA standards, signed by your instructor
Waterproof pocket-manual: Whitewater Rescue Field Guide, by Boreal River Rescue
Course packing list, to be supplied by students or Course Organizer
For the river:
- *Rescue PFD (Personal flotation device with quick-release harness, knife and whistle)
- *Water sports helmet
- *Drysuit or wetsuit
- River shoes – closed toe running shoes or whitewater-specific shoes with sturdy sole
- Base layers and insulation – layers of socks, pants, and tops made of synthetic material to wear in addition to the drysuit or wetsuit
- Neoprene gloves
- Neoprene head warmer (optional)
- Sunglasses or prescription glasses with strap (optional)
- Sun and bug protection
- Personal medications
- Meals, snacks and drinking water
- Gear bag for transport
For on land
- Personal indoor and outdoor clothing
- Rain gear
- Indoor and outdoor footwear
- Backpack, pens, notebook
*Rental equipment available
- Rescue PFDs– $40 for the entire 3 day course
- Water rescue helmet – $12 for the entire 3 day course
- Drysuits – $135 for the entire 3 day course
- Wetsuit – 4mm, fleece lined with full-length arms and legs $63 for the entire 3 day course
