Join Dive Rescue International and The City of Kent, Ohio Fire Department for complete Swiftwater Rescue training over 5 days followed by Swiftwater Trainer. Classes may be taken individually.

Swiftwater Rescue Combo  April 4-8, 2022

Swiftwater Rescue Trainer April 11-15, 2022

Swiftwater Rescue Combo is Dive Rescue International’s renowned five day (40 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
THE HUMAN BODY IN WATER
SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS
SCENE EVALUATION
ESTABLISHING OPERATIONAL OBJECTIVES
SEARCH TACTICS

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.

Trainer classes require a trainer application and candidates to wear appropriate business attire for all in-classroom training.