✔ COVID-19 Adapted
All courses are 100% outside with physical distancing. Read the COVID update.
Build on your previous training to advance your skills. Get 2 full days of hands-on practice and challenging simulations. Gain experience and confidence performing effective rescues with limited resources when river running.
This course is for those with current Whitewater Rescue (WWR) II, Swiftwater Rescue, or equivalent certification who would like to upgrade to Whitewater Rescue Technician (WRT) III.
You’ll do a pre-course prep assignment to help you refresh your skills and knowledge.
Get 10 – 15 % off through multi-student specials and pro-deals.
Learning Outcomes
- Gain experience and confidence through 2 full days of drills and challenging simulations
- Get tons of hands-on practice with professional instructors, a great learning environment, and a well-run course
- Review and refresh your existing skills and add more techniques to your rescue ‘toolbox’
- Increase your proficiency carrying out effective rescues with limited resources when river running
Take away materials
- Waterproof course manual: Whitewater Rescue Field Guide
- Certification card
- Practical evaluation record sheet
- Whitewater Rescue Technician sticker
Topics covered
Knowledge
- General concepts of whitewater and swiftwater rescue
- Personal and group equipment
- River safety and scene management
- River signals and communications
- River features and hydrology
- Related medical topics: drowning and hypothermia
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 – This is not done in the WRT-Recert or Bridge course. It is expected that you have done this awareness-building activity in your introductory whitewater or swiftwater rescue course
Advanced Skills
- 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 likely take around 4 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 goes to 6:30pm.
Attendance is mandatory
Attendance for 100% of class time is mandatory. If you cannot make a session you must get 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) 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) III certification by taking the 2-day Recertification (WRT-Recert) course within 3 years of your last certification. You can also re-take the 4-day course if you would like even more practice.
Recertification and upgrade: 2-day Recert/Bridge or 4-day WRT course
To successfully recertify or upgrade to your technician-level certification in 2 days, it is important that you arrive for your course ready to use your skills and knowledge from your previous training courses and experiences.
The 2-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 4-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 WRT-Bridge course. Please refer to your ‘student information package’ (emailed to you once you register) for a complete list specific to your course.
Equipment rental is available.
For the river:
- Whitewater helmet. You can rent one from us for the whole course for $10 CAD.
- Whitewater rescue PFD (personal flotation 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 for $35 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, trail-running shoe, or sneaker. Neoprene shoes can work if they have enough support and traction but neoprene socks or booties are not adequate. - Wetsuit or drysuit
A wetsuit or drysuit is necessary for courses before mid-June or past mid-September in eastern or central North America and always necessary 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 for $55 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
Course equivalents chart
Boreal River Rescue course: Whitewater Rescue (WWR) Level II
Equivalent courses:
- River Safety and Rescue
- Swiftwater Rescue Operations – Rescue 3 International
- Swiftwater and Flood Rescue Operations – Rescue Canada
- Rescue for River Runners 1 – (r3rec)
Boreal River Rescue course: Whitewater Rescue Technician (WRT) Level III
Equivalent courses:
- Swiftwater Rescue Technician (SRT) – Rescue 3 International
- Swiftwater/Flood Rescue Technician Standard – Rescue Canada
- Level 5 Advanced Swiftwater Rescue Tech – American Canoe Association
- Rescue for River Runners Professional (r3pro)
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-Bridge courses
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 less
Les Flavoureux 01 Jul 2020I 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 less
Paul Mason 13 Sep 2018Just completed the WRT re-certification course and I found it very stimulating as the course built nicely on previous skills... read moreJust completed the WRT re-certification course and I found it very stimulating as the course built nicely on previous skills learned and practiced and found a way to add new exercises and twists to learning the material. The locations were exciting to practice at, the pace was fast, and the hands-on aspect of training presented a balance of adrenaline and pushing physical limits, altogether satisfying! Highly recommend for those seeking technical knowledge of rescue techniques for their adventures in the wilderness. read less
David Lazar 02 Jul 2020these guys know their stuff, and maintain lots of energy throughout their courses. definitely recommend to anyone looking to build... read morethese guys know their stuff, and maintain lots of energy throughout their courses. definitely recommend to anyone looking to build their confidence in and around whitewater read less
Course 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 less
Marco Petrie 14 Jul 2015Real 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 less
Curtis Mark-Stewart 19 Sep 2015Great 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 less
Felicia Feather 05 Jul 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 lessBoreal River Rescue provides a great program. Having just recertified my whitewater rescue technician, the course met and surpassed expectations.... read moreBoreal River Rescue provides a great program. Having just recertified my whitewater rescue technician, the course met and surpassed expectations. It provided a great refresher on skills & also provided new information to help me grow. I find some recertification courses don't go beyond the minimum required for the recertification. I have found that Boreal River Rescue provides a refresher on skills but also builds on knowledge helping participants to continue to grow. The instructors are great and provide a fun and entertaining environment. I highly recommend taking whitewater rescue courses with Boreal River Rescue! 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 lessI took the 2-day Whitewater Rescue course and was thoroughly impressed with the quality of instruction and training. The time... read moreI took the 2-day Whitewater Rescue course and was thoroughly impressed with the quality of instruction and training. The time spent on the rapids was amazing with such realistic simulation and hands-on practice! Would definitely take another course with Boreal River and recommend their courses for others! read less
Robyn Stevens 17 Jul 2018Super experienced, knowledgeable instructor and the course offers tons of hands-on experience. The time spent in the water and in... read moreSuper experienced, knowledgeable instructor and the course offers tons of hands-on experience. The time spent in the water and in action is a huge confidence booster for anyone working in whitewater. read less
Cameron MacPhail 25 Jun 2020Recerted 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 less
Peter Kasurak 05 Nov 2019Last 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 less
Sean Musclow 14 Sep 2018Finished 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 less
Hernâni Lima 18 Jun 2018Solid. I have now taken a WFR and a River rescue course with Boreal and they are excellent. Professional, amazing... read moreSolid. I have now taken a WFR and a River rescue course with Boreal and they are excellent. Professional, amazing skills and excellent teaching. I highly recommend them. read less
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 less
Olivia Perryman 13 Sep 2017
Contact
Canada & U.S. : 1 866 242 9383
International: +1 514 475 7039
Fax: 1 866 533 7694