Get international certification as a Whitewater Rescue Technician (WRT)—the standard for river guides, instructors, and river runners. Build confidence, knowledge, and skills through hands-on practice and simulations.
You’ll gain tools for rescues, starting in easy rapids then challenging yourself in harder water and more complex situations. Become competent performing effective rescues with limited resources—and making smart decisions when river running.
You can also take the course over two blocks* by doing the 2-day Whitewater Rescue (WWR) I & II and then, anytime within the 3 year certification period, taking the 3-day WRT-Bridge III
*Combine any 2-day WWR and 3-day WRT-Bridge across Canada in the same year—pay the price of the 5-day WRT. See the ‘WRT Combo’ tab below.
Get 10 – 15 % off through multi-student specials and pro-deals.
Learning Outcomes
- Hands-on practice with professional instructors, a great learning environment, and a well-run course
- Increase your knowledge of the river environment to avoid hazards and work with the water, not against it
- Practice techniques such as swimming, wading, and throwing ropes to move around the river, perform self-rescues, and rescue others
- Learn knots, anchors, and rope systems for use in equipment recovery and transportation
- Carry out effective rescues with limited resources when river running
- Progress from learning skills in easy water to performing more complex rescues in bigger rapids
- Gain experience and confidence through challenging simulations and drills
Take away materials
- Waterproof course manual: Whitewater Rescue Field Guide
- Certification card
- Practical evaluation record sheet
- Whitewater Rescue Technician sticker
Topics covered
Basic skills
- Swimming in moving water: self rescue and whitewater maneuvers
- Throw ropes
- Contact rescues
- Quick release safety harness and ‘live bait’ rescue
- Rescue of panicked subjects
- Shallow water crossing techniques
- Knots, anchors, and basic tensioning systems
- ‘Strainer’ swim
Advanced skills
- Line crossing
- Transportation systems
- Advanced anchors and compound mechanical advantage systems
- Supervised swim in a hole and hole rescue
- Advanced swimming, throwing, and ‘live-bait’ rescues
Rescue problems & scenarios
- Advanced foot and body entrapment
- Canoe, kayak, and raft pins and wraps
- Team rescue drills and extended simulations
Course format and overview
Pre-course prep
Once registered, you’ll be emailed the Preparation Guide with full instructions and resources. You can work on this offline and it will take 4 to 6 hours.
By learning the pre-course prep material beforehand, we can spend more time during your course practicing where it matters: on and around the river.
Daily schedule
After registering, you’ll receive a ‘student information package’ with specific meeting times for your course. Typically class starts at 8:30am and some days may go until 6:30pm.
Attendance is mandatory
Attendance for 100% of class time is mandatory. If you can’t make a session you need permission from the instructor in advance. 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 – Whitewater Rescue Technician (WRT) III 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, fun, 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 WRT Level III certification students need to:
- Attend all sessions and participate throughout the course
- Demonstrate an understanding of river safety and river rescue skills
- Pass the practical evaluation on the last day.
Your certification is valid for 3 years from the date of issue.
Recertification as a Whitewater Rescue Technician (WRT)
You can recertify your Whitewater Rescue Technician (WRT) Level III certification by taking the 3-day Recertification (WRT-Recert) course within 3 years of your last certification. You need to complete a pre-course prep assignment by the start of the course. Please bring your current certification card with you to your course. You can also re-take the 5-day course if you would like even more practice.
Recertification and upgrade: 3-day Recert/Bridge or 5-day WRT course
To successfully recertify or upgrade to your technician-level certification in 3 days, it’s important that you arrive for your course ready to use your skills and knowledge from your previous training courses and experiences.
The 3-day option is great if you have been practicing most of your skills regularly and spending time in and around rivers during the three years since your last course. We recommend taking the complete 5-day WRT course if you would like more supervised practice time, if you haven’t spent very much time around rivers since your last course, or if you aren’t able to perform the skills outlined in the pre-course prep assignment.
Certification from other training providers
You can take the WRT-Bridge or WRT-Recertification course if your current certification is through a provider other than Boreal River Rescue. Please contact the office for approval.
Equipment and clothing to bring
This is a general list of what to bring for a Whitewater Rescue Technician (WRT) course. Please refer to your ‘student information package’ (emailed to you once you register) for a complete list specific to your course.
Equipment rentals are available.
For the river:
- Whitewater helmet. You can rent one from us for the whole course (5 days total) for $15 CAD.
- Whitewater rescue PFD (personal floatation device) with quick-release harness. Needs to be in good condition and fit properly. You can rent a rescue PFD from us for the whole course (5 days total) for $50 CAD—it comes equipped with a knife, whistle, and quick-release harness.
- River shoes – closed toe
River shoes with full toe coverage that are supportive but also lightweight and draining with a grippy sole. This could be a model made specifically for the river or a lightweight running shoe. Neoprene shoes can work if they have enough support and traction but neoprene socks or booties are not adequate. - Wetsuit or drysuit
One of these is necessary for courses before mid-June or past mid-September in eastern or central North America. You’ll always need one on glacier-fed rivers. You can rent a full length wetsuit (4mm with fleece lining and full arms and legs) from us for the whole course (5 days total) for $79 CAD. - Base layers, insulation, and socks
Make sure to have several layers of socks, pants, and tops made of wool, fleece, polyester, or another synthetic material to wear in addition to your wetsuit or drysuit (or to be worn on their own on sunny days and in warm water). - Surf shorts
- Rash guard
- Snacks, lunch, and water bottle or thermos
Keeping yourself fuelled with calories is one of the keys to staying warm and happy. We usually don’t stop for a long lunch break but instead, take several shorter eating breaks throughout the day so it is good to bring lots of food and things that don’t require much preparation on the side of the river. Also make sure to have some high calorie snacks that you can keep in your PFD pocket. - Sunscreen, lip protection, bug repellent
- Neoprene gloves (optional)
- Neoprene head warmer (optional)
- Camera (optional)
- Sunglasses or prescription glasses with strap (optional)
For on land:
- Comfortable clothing
- Comfortable shoes
- Tuque (warm hat), gloves, or mitts for early and late season courses
- Sun hat, visor, or baseball cap
- Raingear
- Gear bag or container to store your equipment for transport
- Day pack or drybag to store your belongings during class
- Pens and notepad
Consider the following items but refer to the ‘student information package’ for your course to see the accommodation options available and a more specific list:
- Meals and cooking equipment
- Camping equipment or bedding
- Towel
- Personal hygiene products and medications
- Indoor clothing and shoes
WRT Combo - combine 2 dates and locations
If you’d like to take your Whitewater Rescue Technician course, but can’t make it to one of the scheduled 5-day blocks or two-weekend courses:
- combine any 2-day WWR I&II and 3-day WRT-Bridge III across Canada in the same year
- pay the price of the 5-day course, instead of the two separate courses
- this will save you $100+
How to do this:
- Register for any 2-day WWR I & II course
- Then, contact our office and let us know which 3-day WRT-Bridge Level III course you want to join
- We’ll then set you up with a discount code for the second part of your combo—or we can register for you
- You can combine this discount with any other pro-deal or multi-student special that you have
Join a scheduled course at one of our amazing training rivers or have our instructor travel to a river near you for group training.
Be sure to read our cancellation policy.
Upcoming WRT courses
- The swiftwater rescue training is very thorough with lots of hands-on practice (more than other companies give you). The instructors... read moreThe swiftwater rescue training is very thorough with lots of hands-on practice (more than other companies give you). The instructors are super knowledgeable, friendly, and make you feel safe training on the river. read lessRiley Murray 06 Jun 2022
- I've taken both the Wilderness First Responder and Whitewater Rescue Technician courses. They were both fantastic courses that I... read moreI've taken both the Wilderness First Responder and Whitewater Rescue Technician courses. They were both fantastic courses that I highly recommend. read lessMatt Borges 13 Jun 2023Real good instruction, they respected people's limitations/comfort zone, offered other ways and individual short instruction for who are not so... read moreReal good instruction, they respected people's limitations/comfort zone, offered other ways and individual short instruction for who are not so good on parts of the course read lessCurtis Mark-Stewart 19 Sep 2015I did my whitewater rescue technician and wilderness first responder certs with Boreal and thoroughly enjoyed both. Danny was especially... read moreI did my whitewater rescue technician and wilderness first responder certs with Boreal and thoroughly enjoyed both. Danny was especially good explaining concepts so that even a relative novice such as myself could understand. The courses were in-depth, challenging without being overwhelming, and found creative ways to remain COVID safe without sacrificing learning. I would absolutely recert with them. read lessRobyn F 04 Jun 2021
Did my 5 day wrt course this spring. Danny and the instructors do a fantastic job, keeping the course extremely... read moreDid my 5 day wrt course this spring. Danny and the instructors do a fantastic job, keeping the course extremely informative and interactive. Couldn’t recommend it more! read less
Awesome class!! We had Julian has an instructor and he made our time at Boreal a a great learning opportunity.... read moreAwesome class!! We had Julian has an instructor and he made our time at Boreal a a great learning opportunity. We've been taught a lot (long days, be advised!) and we practiced, practiced and practiced. I always felt that the crew was safe and listened to. Our questions were addressed and the information was passed on simply and effectively. I'll be back for sure! read lessLes Flavoureux 01 Jul 2020- Recerted both my WRT and WFR with Boreal this fall and both courses were both challenging and enjoyable. In... read moreRecerted both my WRT and WFR with Boreal this fall and both courses were both challenging and enjoyable. In the case of the WFR there has been considerable change in how spine injuries are categorized and treated and we received a lot of practical experience in applying new standards. As usual, Boreal's excellent training was backed up by efficient course administration. read lessPeter Kasurak 05 Nov 2019I completed my swiftwater/whitewater course with Boreal. Initially I did the course in Quebec and I recently re-certified with... read moreI completed my swiftwater/whitewater course with Boreal. Initially I did the course in Quebec and I recently re-certified with them out west on the Squamish River. Both experiences were really good. The instructors really know there stuff. They don't make you, but definitely encourage you to try stuff out of your comfort zone in a safe environment. It's a really fun course. read lessjamus meyer 04 Jun 2021Course is well structured and is easy to follow every step of the way. It just flows perfectly. Good instructor,... read moreCourse is well structured and is easy to follow every step of the way. It just flows perfectly. Good instructor, good vibe. Definitely will be back for tech level. Thanks Danny. read lessMarco Petrie 14 Jul 2015
- We very much enjoyed our instructors experience and diligence in our training for Water Rescue response. Lots of scenarios that... read moreWe very much enjoyed our instructors experience and diligence in our training for Water Rescue response. Lots of scenarios that helped hammer down the concepts, while also revealing the need for a continuous practice of the skills learned, so that should the time arrive we will be ready to respond appropriately. And due to the fluctuating river levels, the flexibility demonstrated in our daily activities also showed the expertice of our instructors. Thanks alot KAYLEE and RYAN Many safe travels to ya. read lessChris Brown 06 Sep 2021The Whitewater Rescue 4 day Course will blow your mind, you learn SO much!! Julian was my instructor, he is... read moreThe Whitewater Rescue 4 day Course will blow your mind, you learn SO much!! Julian was my instructor, he is SO GOOD at what he does.Klade Kerr 17 Jul 2020
You won’t regret taking the course. Everybody at Boreal is so accommodating and understanding. My course was a socially-distanced one, after the Covid restrictions lifted. Everything still worked out very well with the covid protocols in place.
I highly recommend this course to anyone read lessI took a whitewater rescue course with Danny and Jonh at Boreal and it was simply amazing! Their online videos... read moreI took a whitewater rescue course with Danny and Jonh at Boreal and it was simply amazing! Their online videos were also very helpful to get us ready for our day on the water. Highly recommend! read lessNas Yas 06 Sep 2021 - Just finished the whitewater rescue technician course. This is the third course I have done with Boreal River Rescue and... read moreJust finished the whitewater rescue technician course. This is the third course I have done with Boreal River Rescue and I have only good things to say about them. Danny and his crew did a fantastic job of demonstrating all the skills and giving us lots of time for supervised practice. The scenarios they set up for us were great for showing us how to bring it all together to perform successful rescue ops. I look forward to doing more courses with Boreal in the future. read lessBill Gadzos 21 May 2021
This was an amazing river rescue course, my friends and I really liked it and we learned so much! Also... read moreThis was an amazing river rescue course, my friends and I really liked it and we learned so much! Also a good physical challenge, loved the intensity + getting to learn more about hydrology. It was so much fun! Would definitely recommend, 10/10 read less
- Finished 4 day WRT course at Gatineau River with Julian and loved it ! Super knowledgeable and always able to... read moreFinished 4 day WRT course at Gatineau River with Julian and loved it ! Super knowledgeable and always able to share more and more ! Tons of fun on a super friendly and safe environment ! Travel across the Atlantic to do this course and couldn't be more happy with the choice ! Definitely exceed the expectations! Can't wait to join Boreal again in the future ! read lessHernâni Lima 18 Jun 2018Ten years in and Boreal River is the industry leader. Whether you are looking for first aid training, whitewater rescue... read moreTen years in and Boreal River is the industry leader. Whether you are looking for first aid training, whitewater rescue certification, or high quality adventure guiding, Boreal River is the top echelon in Canada. Through his passion for rivers, people, and education, Danny has assembled an incredible team who share his passions and diversify the experience for clients. This is the due to a lifelong focus on the highest professional standard and, over time, attracting like-minded people. The result is a company driven by passionate and professional staff who are committed to providing the highest quality experience possible for their clients. Congrats to Danny and the entire Boreal River team; you truly have built something very special together over the last 10 years!Bill Mitchell 12 Jun 2019
-Bill Mitchell, Vanier College Outdoor Education read lessLast weekend, a group of us took the 2-day Whitewater Rescue Course at Gatineau River, and we absolutely loved it!... read moreLast weekend, a group of us took the 2-day Whitewater Rescue Course at Gatineau River, and we absolutely loved it! Danny and Rob both did a phenomenal job instructing the course. They made all of the information clear, patiently answered all of our questions, and gave us tons of hands-on practice in the river. Aside from all of that, it was also tons of fun! Thank you Danny and Rob for an amazing weekend! read lessSean Musclow 14 Sep 2018 This course/training is an eye opener you’ll gain a lot more respect for any kind of water! Definitely recommend this... read moreThis course/training is an eye opener you’ll gain a lot more respect for any kind of water! Definitely recommend this for anyone who’s using kayaks/boat/ canoes. You’ll never know what you might learn or need to actually use these skills. I enjoyed the two days it was awesome!! read less
I have taken three whitewater rescue courses with Boreal River and they have all been excellent! The team is a... read moreI have taken three whitewater rescue courses with Boreal River and they have all been excellent! The team is a wealth of knowledge, enthusiastic, supportive, and fun. I would recommend anyone who spends time on rivers to take their course, it is an invaluable resource! read less
Just completed the 2day SRT course with Julian. Couldn't agree more with all the 5star reviews; great prep, customer... read moreJust completed the 2day SRT course with Julian. Couldn't agree more with all the 5star reviews; great prep, customer service, location and extremely knowledgeable, friendly & skilled instructor! read lessDan Pascoli 09 Aug 2022- Took the two day Whitewater Rescue Certification course and had a phenomenal experience. Instructors were very professional and approachable. The... read moreTook the two day Whitewater Rescue Certification course and had a phenomenal experience. Instructors were very professional and approachable. The course was fun and I feel much more confident in whitewater as well as performing rescues in emergency situations. Thanks! read lessOlivia Perryman 13 Sep 2017Completed the Swift Water rescue Technician Course with Max last week and it was fantastic! The course prep work was... read moreCompleted the Swift Water rescue Technician Course with Max last week and it was fantastic! The course prep work was presented in a way that was engaging and accessible. The course itself had a very well laid out progression on the skills we learned each day. Max was an excellent teacher, very supportive and encouraging. I would gladly attend any other Boreal River training in the future! read lesscaralynn Nault 06 Jun 2022
- I was fortunate to join a wilderness first responder first aid course last winter and was so impressed with the... read moreI was fortunate to join a wilderness first responder first aid course last winter and was so impressed with the attention to detail and intensive training that I vowed to take Boreal's Whitewater Rescue Technician course this year. Mission accomplished in September ( a great time to take this course as the water is still warm), it was an intensive re-cert course at Boreal's base camp on the Upper Gatineau River. I walked, or should I say swam away from the course with the knowledge and motivation to keep practicing these skills until my next re-cert. read lessPaul Mason 13 Sep 2018
I have taken Wilderness 1st Responder and Whitewater Rescue Technician with Boreal and have been extremely impressed with both. Their... read moreI have taken Wilderness 1st Responder and Whitewater Rescue Technician with Boreal and have been extremely impressed with both. Their courses are very well-organized and staff are highly knowledgeable and skilled teachers. In particular, I valued the hands-on repetitions of practical skills. There is no unsupported theory with Boreal. Every lesson involves actual practice in as real a setting as possible. Their whitewater courses are especially known for this. read less
- Took my WRT recert this past weekend on the Magnetewan river and it lived up to everything Boreal is known... read moreTook my WRT recert this past weekend on the Magnetewan river and it lived up to everything Boreal is known for: amazing hands-on instruction, realistic simulations with in-depth debriefs, and instructors with a wealth of experience and a genuine joy for the subject they're teaching.Grant Bowles Conover 30 May 2019
Wouldn't take a WRT anywhere else,
Thanks again Danny, Rianna, Addie, and Tai! read lessThese guys are tops - they know their material, and keep up a great level of energy (even when freezing... read moreThese guys are tops - they know their material, and keep up a great level of energy (even when freezing cold and raining). My 14 year old son was as interested and engaged as the dads in the crew, as were newer and more seasoned paddlers, and everyone in-between. Will be back for more certs. Thanks Danny & co! read lessShaughn McArthur 06 Jul 2020 - Just completed the Whitewater Rescue course with Boreal River Rescue. The outstanding online preparation was so well organized into... read moreJust completed the Whitewater Rescue course with Boreal River Rescue. The outstanding online preparation was so well organized into text, video clips, graphics, dramatizations and real life footage. The practical sessions involved two long days that just flew by based on the set up on hands on experiences, group and 1-1 instruction. Boreal River Rescue has put together some great learning tools, highly recommended from a safety perspective as well as a pedagogical perspective (learning). read lessBrian Storosko 06 Sep 2021Great instructors-Ben & Ian are fantastic educators. It was a steep learning curve (for me) and they were patient with... read moreGreat instructors-Ben & Ian are fantastic educators. It was a steep learning curve (for me) and they were patient with everyone’s questions, clear with the answers. They made us work really hard every day and I loved every minute of it! read lessFelicia Feather 05 Jul 2018
Maxime, and Garett were great. They led us through the rigorous content in an incremental, manageable way and were professional,... read moreMaxime, and Garett were great. They led us through the rigorous content in an incremental, manageable way and were professional, personable and affirming. I would highly recommend Boreal. read less
I took the WRT course with boreal river and it was amazing. It was on the Magnetawan river and it... read moreI took the WRT course with boreal river and it was amazing. It was on the Magnetawan river and it was great. The instructors were fantastic really good at teaching and making sure everybody feels like they have understood and like they are seen in this course. It was a greatly useful course with a lot different rescue techniques, learning of cool knot skills, swimming in the rapids, just everything you need to be comfortable guiding a trip on a river for the river safety part. I would recommend to anyone looking to be more comfortable on rivers and to feel more safe and knowledgeable. I had a great time! Thanks again to the boreal river team:) read lessEloise Day 04 Jun 2023Took WRT last weekend with Matt from Boreal. One of the most engaging and useful outdoor courses I've taken -... read moreTook WRT last weekend with Matt from Boreal. One of the most engaging and useful outdoor courses I've taken - on task, fun, and lots of skills covered. Really worth the money. read lessHannah McVean 06 May 2022- Just refreshed my skills and certification as a Whitewater rescue technician with Boreal River Rescue. The pre-course info is amazing,... read moreJust refreshed my skills and certification as a Whitewater rescue technician with Boreal River Rescue. The pre-course info is amazing, the course content is highly relevant and applicable, it is methodically taught with plenty of practise time to become comfortable with it. Another course participant said to me "I am like a kid in a candy store!! I am learning so much!!" It is an excellent way to build your skills for any type of river travel. (Kayak, canoe, surf, SUP, Raft, Packraft). Go for it. read lessColin Bunge 20 Jun 2023Our crew from BCIT had a blast on the river. I feel much more confident navigating rivers now. Matt was... read moreOur crew from BCIT had a blast on the river. I feel much more confident navigating rivers now. Matt was fantastic at making us feel safe and explaining concepts while simultaneously making the day really fun! Can't wait to apply this in the field:) read lessHannah T 04 May 2023
- I have now completed swift water rescue and ice rescue training with Boreal River. Both courses were completely hands... read moreI have now completed swift water rescue and ice rescue training with Boreal River. Both courses were completely hands on and gives you a true appreciation for water and the hazards it may pose. Jimmy P. was my instructor for both courses and was very knowledgeable about rescue techniques. These courses equip you with the skills and confidence to explore the outdoors. I highly recommend Boreal River. read lessTrenton Spence 25 Mar 2021I took a whitewater safety course specific to river surfers. The instructors were very qualified and took the time... read moreI took a whitewater safety course specific to river surfers. The instructors were very qualified and took the time to teach us many different rescue techniques. Overall amazing experience! read lessSarina Daigle 06 Sep 2021
If you do any type of canoeing or water sport, knowledge in safety is essential. The crew from Boreal... read moreIf you do any type of canoeing or water sport, knowledge in safety is essential. The crew from Boreal River Rescue are top notch and I recommend them very highly! read less