Course Description
This online instructor-led Swiftwater Rescue Awareness course is built for responders who work near moving water but are not trained swim rescuers… yet. The goal is simple: keep you from becoming the next victim, help you recognize when water is about to hurt people, and teach you how to support a competent swiftwater team from the shore.
Online Instructor-Led Format
This course is delivered live via video conference with a qualified instructor. You'll have the opportunity to ask questions, participate in discussions, and interact with other students in real-time—all from wherever you are. Scheduled sessions are listed on our course calendar.
You'll get straight talk on river hazards, hydrology, PPE, and scene management—no fantasy "YouTube rescuer" nonsense. This is awareness only, focused on:
- Staying out of the water
- Spotting danger early
- Using simple, low-risk tactics (reach/throw)
- Supporting an organized rescue operation
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this course, students will be able to:
- Explain their role and limits as awareness-level personnel at swiftwater and flood incidents
- Recognize hydrologic features (strainers, hydraulics, sieves, low-head dams, channelized flow) that kill people
- Identify safe vs. unsafe access points, routes, and work areas near moving water
- Select and use basic PPE appropriate for shore-based operations
- Apply low-risk rescue priorities: talk, reach, throw, row, go (in that order)
- Support a swiftwater rescue group within ICS: establish zones, control bystanders, assist with lookouts, and manage equipment staging
Format & Length
Duration
6-8 Hours
Format
Online Instructor-Led
Sessions
Scheduled Dates
- Live instruction via video conference with a qualified instructor
- Interactive Q&A and discussion throughout the session
- Real-time scenarios and case studies with instructor feedback
- Knowledge checks after each section and a final awareness exam
- Designed as one full training day equivalent (6–8 hours), may be split across sessions
What You'll Need
- Computer, tablet, or smartphone with camera and microphone
- Stable internet connection
- Quiet space where you can participate without distractions
- Notebook and pen for taking notes
A link to join the video conference will be sent to your email before the scheduled session.
Certificate & Compliance
Students who successfully complete the course and exam receive a Swiftwater Rescue Awareness – Online Instructor-Led completion certificate documenting hours and major topics covered.
The curriculum is aligned with awareness-level intent in NFPA 1006 and NFPA 2500 for water and flood rescue, and supports AHJs in building compliant, reality-based water rescue programs. Final competency sign-off, operational status, and any formal certification remain the responsibility of the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ).