This Swiftwater Rescue training series is a pipeline for agencies needing Swiftwater Rescue Trainers. Swiftwater Rescue 1, 2, and Trainer are offered in a row so that agencies looking to fill a trainer role have all the pre-requisites and training they need to get someone on staff.

Swiftwater Rescue 1 – June 3-5, 2022

Swiftwater Rescue 2 – June 6-8, 2022

Swiftwater Rescue Trainer – June 9-13, 2022

In Golden, Colorado with Golden Fire Rescue and Dive Rescue International

Swiftwater Rescue I is Dive Rescue International’s renowned three day (24 hour) training program.
Swiftwater rescue operations are inherently dangerous and with the complications of fast current,
low-head dams, and/or hidden debris they can become deadly. Prepare for these special hazards by
learning how to organize and manage safe swiftwater rescue operations. Participants in this program
should be prepared for multiple in-water scenarios.
This program is presented in the classroom and open-water to allow students to become familiar with
different field scenarios. Successful completion of this program is measured in class participation and
an end of program comprehensive test.
Key training topics and the associated objectives include:
SWIFTWATER ORIENTATION
HAZARD AWARENESS
FUNDAMENTAL RESCUE TECHNIQUES
GENERAL PATIENT CARE
KNOTS AND RIGGINGS

PREREQUISITES
All students must be a current member of a public safety agency and at least 18 years of age. This program
is designed for personnel who are physically fit. Participants are encouraged to participate after successfully
completing the IADRS Watermanship Test or testing to a fitness level of 13 MET (Metabolic Equivalents)
or greater. Participants with aerobic fitness questions or concerns should consult their physician prior to
in-water training. Participants who have poor aerobic fitness may attend this program as surface support
personnel with the approval of the instructor.
BE SURE TO BRING
All students should bring: clothing appropriate for weather conditions, adequate footwear, watersports
helmet, and U.S. Coast Guard approved P.F.D. (Type III or V) with whistle and cutting tool, and pen and
paper. In-water participants must provide their own wetsuit or swiftwater dry suit, water rescue gloves, work
gloves and fins.

Estimated Schedule:
DAY 1
8:00-12:00 Program Introduction / Overview
Swiftwater Rescue Lecture
Video Swept Away
Final Exam
12:00-1:00 Lunch
1:00-5:00 Rigging Exercises
Knots
Boat Rigging
2-Line
4-Line
Highline
Throwline Bags
Knot Competition
DAY 2
8:00-5:00 Swiftwater Rescue Field Training
River Reading
Self Rescue (Float) w/ Throwbag
Self Rescue (Swim w/ Fins) w/ Throwbag
Shallow Water Crossing
Lunch on the go
Strainer Drill
“GO” Contact Rescue with River Rescue Board
2-Line Boat Operations
4-Line Boat Operations
Highline Boat Operations
DAY 3
8:00-3:00 Swiftwater Rescue Training Scenarios
2-Line Rescue Scenario
4-Line Rescue Scenario
Lunch on the go
High Line Rescue Scenario
Group Swiftwater Rescue Swim
3:00-5:00 Program Review / Critique / Certificates

Swiftwater Rescue II is Dive Rescue International’s advanced three day (24 hour) swiftwater training
program. All students are required to have basic swiftwater rescue skills including: excellent swimming
skills, operational experience using high-lines and a working knowledge of knots, rigging and mechanical
advantage systems. All students should be prepared for multiple challenging in-water scenarios.
Specific and detailed information will be provided regarding searching by using coordinated land and
water-based teams.
This program is presented in the classroom and open-water to allow students to become familiar with
different field scenarios and engage in team-building exercises. Successful completion of this program
is measured in class participation and a comprehensive test.
Key training topics and the associated objectives include:
CHARACTERISTICS OF MOVING WATER
THE HUMAN BODY IN WATER
SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS
SCENE EVALUATION
ESTABLISHING OPERATIONAL OBJECTIVES
SEARCH TACTICS
KNOTS AND RIGGINGS

PREREQUISITES
All students must be a current member of a public safety agency, at least 18 years of age and must show
proof of Swiftwater Rescue 1 certification.
This program is designed for personnel who are physically fit. Participants are encouraged to participate
after successfully completing the IADRS Watermanship Test or testing to a fitness level of 13 MET
(Metabolic Equivalents) or greater. Participants with aerobic fitness questions or concerns should consult
their physician prior to in-water training. Participants who have poor aerobic fitness may attend this program
as surface support personnel with the approval of the instructor.
BE SURE TO BRING
All students should bring: clothing appropriate for weather conditions, adequate footwear, watersports
helmet, and U.S. Coast Guard approved P.F.D. (Type III or V) with whistle and cutting tool, and pen and
paper. In-water participants must provide their own wetsuit or swiftwater dry suit, water rescue gloves, work
gloves and fins.

Estimated Schedule:
DAY 1
8:00-9:00 Program Introduction / Overview
Completion of class paperwork
9:00-12:00 Program Presentation
Written Exam
12:00-1:00 Lunch
1:00-2:30 Team Building Exercises
2:30-5:00 Skill Completion and Review
Knots and Throwbag Competition
Rigging
4-Line Boat Rigging
Highline Rigging Techniques
DAY 2
8:00-8:30 Introduction to Objectives
8:30-12:00 Field Exercises
River Reading – Areas of Probability
Skill Verification –
Float, Swim, & Swiftwater Rescue Board Exercises
Contact Rescues
Boat Operations Practice
Lunch on the go
12:00-5:00 Field Exercises
Search / Rescue Exercises
DAY 3
8:00-5:00 Advanced Swiftwater Rescue Scenarios
Advanced Scenarios
Lunch on the go
Advanced Scenarios (continued)
Final Critique
Closing and Certificates

Graduating candidates of the Swiftwater Rescue Trainer program are certified to instruct Swiftwater Rescue 1 and 2 to their department personnel.