COURSE OVERVIEW
This 5-day combination course builds a full-capability water rescue team from the ground up: Awareness → Operations → Technician for both Surface Water (lakes/ponds/reservoirs) and Swiftwater/Flood (moving water).
The design is simple and aggressive:
- Day 1: Awareness for surface water and swiftwater (classroom + shoreline practical)
- Days 2–3: Operations-level skills in both environments (shore + limited in-water)
- Days 4–5: Technician-level swiftwater and surface water (complex scenarios, night ops if conditions allow)
The curriculum is built around current industry best practices and is aligned with water/flood rescue competencies in NFPA 1006 and NFPA 2500. The emphasis is on practical, disciplined tactics—not just checking NFPA boxes.
This course is ideal for agencies that want one unified program and one common language for all of their water rescue personnel.
TARGET AUDIENCE
COURSE STRUCTURE
Day 1 – Awareness (Surface & Swiftwater)
Focus: Risk, roles, and "don't become victim #2."
Days 2–3 – Operations (Surface & Swiftwater)
Focus: Safe, repeatable shore and limited in-water rescue skills.
Core Skills (both environments):
Swiftwater & Flood – Ops Emphasis:
Surface Water – Ops Emphasis:
Days 4–5 – Technician (Surface & Swiftwater)
Focus: Complex, multi-victim and multi-platform operations; leadership and problem-solving.
Advanced Scene Management & Leadership:
Swiftwater Technician Skills:
Surface Water Technician Skills:
Night & Low-Visibility Operations:
TRAINING METHODS
PREREQUISITES & PPE
Prerequisites:
- Strong comfort in deep water and basic swimming ability
- Medical clearance and fitness appropriate for extended water work
- Recommended: prior technical rope training and ICS familiarity, especially for personnel expected to operate at the Technician/leader level
Note: Agencies can assign different members to different "target levels" within the same course—e.g., some finish at Ops, core team members are evaluated to Tech.
Required PPE (per AHJ):
- Approved PFD (Type III or V, rescue rated for in-water personnel)
- Water rescue helmet
- Appropriate thermal protection (wetsuit/drysuit matched to water temps)
- Closed-toe water footwear
- Gloves, eye protection, and standard agency PPE
- Headlamp for night ops
STANDARDS & COMPLIANCE
The course is structured to align with:
- NFPA 1006: Surface Water and Water/Flood Rescue – Awareness, Operations, and Technician-level job performance requirements (JPRs)
- NFPA 2500: Program-level expectations for technical search and rescue and water rescue, including training, equipment, and operational practices
Completion provides documented training toward these NFPA competencies. Final credentialing, task-book sign-offs, and operational authorization remain with the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ).
DOCUMENTATION
Students who successfully complete the course and meet performance objectives receive a Surface Water & Swiftwater Rescue – Awareness, Operations & Technician (5-Day) completion certificate documenting:
- Total training hours
- Awareness, Operations, and Technician-level modules completed
- Key skill blocks (surface water, swiftwater, boats, tethers, night ops, rope integration)
- Roles performed (rescuer, crew, team leader, group supervisor, etc.)
Final qualification, credentialing, and operational authorization (including any ProBoard/state certification or NWCG typing) are the responsibility of the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ).
Course Details
Why Choose This Course?
- Complete Awareness → Ops → Tech progression in one week
- Both surface water AND swiftwater/flood environments
- One unified program for your entire team
- NFPA 1006/2500 aligned curriculum