2023 Courses of Instruction
SWIFTWATER RESCUE
- June 12-15, 2023
Prerequisite: The student must have successfully completed a basic boat operation course or have a signed waiver from their department head certifying that he/she is an experienced boat operator and has the boat operation skills necessary to operate a boat in extremely dangerous swiftwater conditions. Agencies are reminded that anyone born after January 1, 1984, is required to have completed a boating safety course to operate a boat on Missouri's lakes. The student must be a strong swimmer and be prepared to swim in a fast moving water. The student must be able to jump from a height of 10 to 15 feet into swift water. The student must furnish his/her own Swiftwater rescue gear (a wet or dry suit, a swiftwater-rated personal floatation device, a swiftwater-rated helmet, dive fins, water gloves, wet boots with good soles, and two throw bags). Students should be in excellent physical condition and will be required to fill out a medical waiver and, if necessary, get a physician’s release to attend this course. The student is required to have a basic knowledge of rescue knots before attending this class.
Course Description: This course is designed to teach students the skills necessary to rescue persons in swiftwater conditions. The course also teaches students the skills necessary to affect a self rescue if the rescuer becomes the victim. Topics covered in this class include how to read the river, river hydraulics, rescue knots, self-rescue techniques, strainer drills, boat operation techniques, boat rescue techniques, throw bag techniques, team rescue drills, hi-line/z-line rescue techniques, rope gun fundamentals, ring buoy rescue techniques, and low head dam rescue techniques. The student will receive Swiftwater Rescue I certification through Dive Rescue International at the completion of this course. This course will be held off site.
Who Should Attend: Officers/emergency personnel who are involved in swiftwater rescues during flooding events.
Tuition/Registration Fees: Registration fees are due 7 days prior to the start of the class. If fees are not paid in full, the student will not be allowed to attend the course. Forty-eight (48) hours notice of cancellation is required for a full tuition refund. Exceptions to the refund policy will be at the discretion of the Director of Training.
Cost:
- $400 which includes student packet and certification through Dive Rescue International
- Meals and lodging are at the expense of the student/agency.
Continuing Education Hours:
- 22 hours of Skill Development
- 8 hours of Technical Studies
Mineral Area College Credit:
- None
- Sergeant David Echternacht
- 573-751-9942
