Swiftwater Rescue pre-course resources

You can check out all of the skills covered in the course here:

• Skills course

• Certification Course

American Canoe Association memberships

You do not need to be an ACA member to take one of our courses. You do however need to be an ACA member if you with to receive their certification. An individual membership cost $40, and is not covered in the registration of your course. You can register through the link here.

Watercraft

You do not need to bring your own watercraft for any Swiftwater rescue courses.

Gear

In Swiftwater courses, you do a lot of swimming. Please be prepared to be in cold water for extended amounts of time. Dry suits are highly encouraged during early season courses. Wear appropriately warm clothing underneath your drywear and dress for swims, not air temps.

Type V PFDs. You will need a type V rescue PFD to participate in some higher level skills throughout the course. I have a couple extra rescue PFDs I will bring for use during the course.

Rescue equipment will be provided but you are encouraged to bring your own if you have any.

Knots, hitches, & bends

We recommend becoming familiar with all of the following knots, hitches and bends before the course.

Knots - Figure 8, figure 8 follow-through, butterfly, overhand, figure 9

Hitches - Prusik, Munter, Clove

Bends - Flemish (figure 8), overhand (aka Water-knot), double fishermen