American Canoe Association (ACA)

Level 4: Swiftwater Rescue Course

Course Overview

Our Swiftwater Rescue Course teaches recognition and avoidance of common river hazards, execution of self-rescue techniques, and rescue techniques for paddlers in distress. Emphasis is placed both on personal safety and on simple, commonly used skills. Fundamental and more advanced techniques for dealing with hazards that carry greater risks for both victim and rescuer, such as strainers, rescue vest applications, entrapments, and pins, also are practiced. Scenarios will provide an opportunity for participants to practice their skills both individually and within a team/group context.

Course Objectives

• Promote proactive prevention of river accidents

• Develop and practice key self-rescue

• Identify and avoid river hazards by understanding hydrology, hazards, and river features.

• Focus on fast, low-risk strategies for early management of river accidents

• Develop and practice methods for recovering swimmers, and loose boats and equipment

• Develop and practice more advanced rope-based and in-water skills

• Gain experience using the rescue life jacket (PFD), and understand its strengths and weaknesses

• Utilize rescue scene management principles needed within a paddling group

Course Prerequisites

• Acknowledgment of personal compliance with the ACA Essential Eligibility Criteria (EEC)

• Agree to comply with the ACA Code of Conduct

• All paddle craft are welcome. Boaters should be able to competently maneuver their craft in Class I-II rapids. However, all boaters, and non-boaters with an interest in swiftwater rescue (e.g., professional rescuers), will benefit from the class. Participants should be in good health and overall fitness, possess solid swimming ability, and be comfortable swimming in moving current during river drills. Participants should dress appropriately for weather and temperature and expect to be in the water for extended periods of time