Level 1Awareness
Swiftwater Rescue Level 1 Awareness - Online/Classroom
This specialized online course covers theoretical and technical whitewater information in a modular format typically covered in the classroom. This is a stand-alone awareness course and also a pre-requisite for the Level 2, 3 and 4 Swiftwater Rescue Technician Tandem Rescue courses.
Course modules:
1. Tandem/IRIA Philosophy and Matrix
2. Swiftwater Absolutes
3. Basic hydrology
4. Flood Basics
5. Dangers of swift water
6. Specific medical realities
7. Personal protective equipment
8. Communications for Swiftwater
9. Rapid water risk assessment
10. Swiftwater Incident Command System
11. Safety Guidelines and Scene Response
12. Search in rivers
13. Final Exam for 1 year approved certification.
Level 2 Operations
Swiftwatere Rescue Level 2 Operations
The Level 2 course is 2 days and is designed for responders who primarily operate from the shore up to 1ft or depth into the current. Responsable for shore based safety and technical rope systems managed from shore. New techniques and equipment now available allow Level 2 rescuers to perform even complex tasks from safe positions and at long distances.
Course Modules in the Field, at the River:
1. Level 1 Online (requisite)
2. Reading the River / River Hydrology / Glossary
3. Personal protective equipment (PPE)
4. Safety Equipment used in modern day swiftwater rescue
5. Shore based communications and rescues involving Rescue Throw Bag and Crossline Reach - Line Capture and remote anchor device.
6. Shore based technical rope systems and rigging
7. Shore based river search methods
8. Self Rescue/Survival swim in Grade 2 river currents.
9. Practical and written exams for approved 3 year certification.
Level 3 Technician
Swiftwater Rescue Level 3 Technician
The Level 3 Swiftwater Rescue Technician possess knowledge and skills beyond basic swiftwater rescue training. Here are the key aspects that define their expertise:
1.Technical Rescue Skills: Level 3 Technicians are proficient in advanced technical swiftwater rescue techniques. This includes rope systems, mechanical advantage systems, and other specialized tools and methods used in swiftwater environments.
Course Modules in the field, in the river:
1. PPE and Communications
2. Risk Assessment and Management/ Site containment.
3.Equipment Expertise, design and use factors for Téchnical Rope systems in moving water.
4. Self Rescue and in-water river progression. This includes all the swimming and dynamic body positioning over irregular river bed and shore landscapes.
5. Medical Issues Specific to Swiftwater Rescue
6. Site access training involving line crossings and one sided access solutions.
7. Use of Inflatable rescue boats, sleds, kayaks.
8. Practical, physical and written exams for 3 year certification approval.
Level 4 Advanced Lider
Swiftwater Rescue Technician Level 4 Advanced Leader/Specialist
The Level 4 Swiftwater Rescue Technician are the elite professionals who possess advanced knowledge and skills beyond the norm. Here are the key aspects that define their expertise:
1.Technical Rescue Skills: Level 4 Technicians are proficient in advanced technical swiftwater rescue techniques. This includes rope systems, mechanical advantage systems, and other specialized tools and methods used in swiftwater environments. They have highly evolved personal management skills that allow them to provide the safest solutions to high risk and extreme high risk scenarios involving moving water.
Course Modules in the field, in the river:
1. PPE, Communications and Incident Action Plans
2. Risk Assessment and Management/ Site containment.
3.Equipment Expertise, design and use factors for Téchnical Rope systems in moving water.
4. Self Rescue and in-water river progression. This includes all the swimming and dynamic body positioning over irregular river bed and shore landscapes.
5. Medical Issues Specific to Swiftwater Rescue
6. Site access training involving line crossings and one sided access solutions.
7. Use of Inflatable rescue boats, sleds, kayaks.
8. Practical, physical and written exams for 3 year certification approval.
9.Continuous Training and Education.
Next Training and Certification Courses
Swiftwater Rescue Technician Level 3 Training and Certification. Standard of Training Tandem/IRIA.org R3. Based on NFPA 1670, 1006. Date: 12-13-14 Julio. Location: Rio Petrohue, Ensenada, Chile. Register and Reserve your spot with 50% deposit. Final payment due first day of the course. $230.000clp c/u. Student Requirements: PPe for the course including as a minimum Helmet, PFD Type IV/V. One Throw Bag, Thermal protection wet suit or dry suit, solid soled shoes with laces (old tennis shoes work best), One 6mm accesory cord 1.5mts in length (UIAA/NFPA/CE), 3 Manual Lock carabiners preferrable HMS, One 1" tubular webbing 3mts in length, gloves, snack lunch each day of the course, transportation to the training sites, lodging.