SwiftWater Rescue & River Rescue Courses
River Runners and Guides
RIVER RESCUE COURSES -Swiftwater for River Runners
Black Fox Rescue Institute offers courses and certification for professional river guides and recreational boaters. Each course combines theoretical and practical learning to help you master the skills you’ll need on the water whether you are guiding professionally or recreating for fun.
Our courses are certified through Sierra Rescue and the American Canoe Association. These professional level certifications are recognized by all US based Government Agencies as well as internationally. Enroll in an open course near you, or schedule custom dates for your group or staff.
Emergency Responders
SWIFTWATER RESCUE COURSES
Black Fox Rescue Institute offers courses for emergency responders requiring certifications for swift water rescue. Obtaining and maintaining certifications ensure that you and your agency can safely respond to emergencies in your jurisdiction.
Our courses are certified through Rescue 3 International and the certification meets or exceeds NFPA standards. Emergency responders can enroll in open courses, or you can schedule custom course dates that work best for your agency.
Black Fox Rescue Institute offers a specialized curriculum for fire fighters, search and rescue teams, professional responders and government agencies who need advanced swift water rescue training. Awareness level is offered for responders working more than 10ft (3m) from moving water. Operations level is offered for responders working within 10ft (3m) of moving water. Technician level is for responders working in or on the water.
Join an open course near you, or contact us for custom course dates for your group or your team.
Which Swiftwater Course is right for You?
Available Courses
River Rescue
Whether you are guiding a raft professionally or running the river for fun, it is your responsibility to be prepared in responding quickly and effectively when your trip does not go as planned. The River Rescue have been developed by river professionals for guides and river runners like you. Each course will allow you practice the skills and techniques on the water. Your ability to use the skills and knowledge to respond to an incident is our goal while teaching these courses. You can expect to learn new skills and techniques covering all aspects of a trip and rescue, including:
TRIP PLANNING AND PREPARATION
HAZARD RECOGNITION AND AVOIDANCE
SELF RESCUE
PARTNER AND OR CLIENT RESCUE
RESCUE TECHNIQUES UTILIZING EQUIPMENT YOU TYPICALLY CARRY WITH YOU
BACKCOUNTRY AND REMOTE RESCUE TECHNIQUES
Upon completion, you can take your certification wherever your next adventure may lead you. Your certification is recognized internationally and by all US land management agencies and State governments. The pro level is additionally recognized by the International Rafting Federation, New Zealand River Guides, and British Canoeing.
River Rescue has been designed from the ground up for river runners! This course is the best way to learn swiftwater rescue techniques that work with small groups and limited equipment. The course will teach you how to better plan river trips, what to consider when choosing groups, equipment, and locations, how to avoid accidents, and how to approach and respond quickly and efficiently when they are encountered. This course meets all agency requirements for guides and outfitters and establishes a solid foundation of skills and techniques for all rafters, kayakers, Stand Up Paddlers, Packrafters, Fishermen and guides.
Swiftwater and Flood Rescue - Technician
This water rescue class is the most popular Swiftwater Rescue course for professional rescuers who will be responding as part of a team and will be going into the water/hot zone. Firefighters, SAR team members, Park, BLM and Forest Rangers, Boarder Patrol, Professional Lifeguards, Military and other government responders will all be more appropriately prepared to preform a water rescue.
Our courses emphasize:
HAZARD AWARENESS
PREVENTION
SELF RESCUE
TEAM RESCUE
VICTIM RESCUE
RESCUE USING THE EQUIPMENT YOU REGULARLY CARRY
Our courses are designed to give you the knowledge and skills needed to preform rescues, and test those skill in scenarios throughout the course. This course is ideal for rescuers who are planning on operating in the water when responding to floods or river incidents or will be serving as the water rescue group supervisor.
All of our courses are certified by Rescue 3 International and meet their international standard, which satisfies, and in most cases exceeds, NFPA 2500 standards for Technician Level. Course curriculum is developed by an international board that evaluates the best of practices used around the world and combines them with teaching methodology. Our courses are taught by professional rescuers who have passed Rescue 3 International's rigorous instructor training program.
River Rescue Advanced/PRO
River Rescue Advanced sets the international standard for guides and those river runners who want to elevate their river running swiftwater skills. Building on the foundation of skills, knowledge and techniques learned in River Rescue, the Advanced course pushes students by having them apply their knowledge and experience in harder and more challenging scenarios. Additional skills included:
VERTICAL ACCESS AND EVACUATION
NIGHT RESCUE
LONGER SEARCHES
INTEGRATION WITH ARRIVING RESCUE GROUPS
TRIP EMERGENCY ACTION PLANNING
These skills help to set guides and boaters up for success when leading trips or rescues.
Swiftwater and Flood Rescue Technician - Advanced
Integrating the SWRT techniques into more difficult technical swiftwater rescue situations this course has students combine the skills sets from Swiftwater Rescue Technician (SWRT) and Rope Rescue Technician (RRT). With a concentration on rescue in hard to reach and access areas and more difficult swiftwater situations this course is ideal for teams who have difficult swiftwater terrain in their jurisdiction. In addition to merging and advancing rope and swiftwater the advanced level course includes:
PLANNING RESCUES
LEADING COMPLEX SWIFTWATER MISSIONS
PREPLANNING FOR HAZARDOUS AREAS
NIGHT OPERATIONS
This is the best course for experienced technicians and rescue teams
Swiftwater and Flood Rescue - Operations
Swiftwater Rescue Operations level courses teach rescuers to operate within 10’ of the rivers edge. Meeting the NFPA requirements for working in the warm zone, students will learn about
proper personal and rescue equipment
hydrology and morphology
self rescue skills
shore based rescue techniques
This course is ideal for rescuers who will be working to assist technicians working in the hot zone or will be coming down to the rivers edge to assist with patient care and transport from the warm zone.
Swiftwater and Flood Rescue Boat Operator courses
Non Motorized Paddle Boats
Ideal for teams and individuals who respond on the water with inflatable and other non motorized boats, this boat operator course focuses on boat handling in class I, II, and III whitewater. The curriculum focus is on rescue situations, reading rivers, hazard avoidance, and boat handling techniques. Skills can be taught on paddle guiding only, oar guiding only, or a combination of the two. These courses are only offered as private courses.
Motorized Boats
Propeller and Jet driven boat handling in class I-III is the focus of this course. Rescue techniques with motorized craft are emphasized. Because of the unique character of each boat and river, we only teach these courses as contract courses for your agency with your craft.
International River Guide Certification
Black Fox Rescue Institute has IRF assessors who can help you to get your international guide or safety craft certification. We can assess your guiding and rescue skills and award you your International Rafting Federation guiding certificate. These assessments are typically done on the river that you work on and take place while you are guiding a trip along with additional skills testing. Discounts are given for groups of 4 or more guides on the same river assessment at the same time. Because of the unique nature of each assessment, it is best to call us to organize your assessment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Still have questions? Take a look at the FAQ or reach out directly to schedule a custom course.
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Swiftwater and flood rescue training teaches responders how to recognize hazards, manage risk, and perform rescues in moving water environments such as rivers, floods, and urban runoff. Training emphasizes personal safety, scene size-up, rescue techniques, and decision-making in dynamic water conditions.
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These courses are designed for fire and rescue personnel, law enforcement, EMS, search and rescue teams, industrial safety professionals, and others who may respond to water-related incidents. Courses are also appropriate for organizations responsible for operating in or near moving water environments.
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River rescue courses are designed for river guides, river runners, kayakers, packrafters, rangers,stand up paddleboarders, fishing guides and scientific field workers. River rescue advanced courses are designed for professional river guides, river rangers, and other river runners looking to build on or increase skills learned in a river rescue course.
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Yes. Swiftwater and flood rescue courses are commonly delivered to fire departments, law enforcement agencies, SAR teams, and other organizations. Courses can be tailored to agency policies, response environments, and operational roles.
Course Levels & Selection
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Courses typically progress from awareness-level concepts to operations- and technician-level skills. Higher-level courses focus on advanced rescue techniques, teamwork, and scenario-based decision-making in complex water environments.
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The appropriate course depends on your role, prior experience, and expected response duties. Entry-level courses focus on hazard recognition and basic skills, while advanced courses are intended for personnel with prior experience who are actively performing rescues in moving water. Black Fox Rescue can help determine the best fit.
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Yes. The courses are designed for professional responders and organizations that require structured, hands-on training in swiftwater, flood, and river rescue operations.
Certification, Standards & Credibility
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Participants who successfully complete a swiftwater or river rescue course receive formal documentation verifying course completion. This documentation is commonly used by agencies to demonstrate technical rescue training for internal or regulatory purposes. Black Fox Rescue provides Rescue3 International, Sierra Rescue, or ACA Certifications to students who successfully complete the respective course.
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Course content reflects widely accepted swiftwater rescue concepts and best practices used across the technical rescue industry. Rescue3 International courses meet or exceed standards for Swiftwater Rescue Operations & Technician level training outlined in NFPA 1006 and 2500. Final determinations regarding compliance with specific standards remain the responsibility of the authority having jurisdiction. River rescue certification meets or exceeds all agency requirements for swiftwater rescue.
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Swiftwater and flood rescue training, and river rescue supports skills and knowledge commonly referenced in safety and rescue standards. Final determination of compliance rests with the agency or authority having jurisdiction. Swiftwater Rescue Operations and Technical level training meets NFPA 1006 and 2500 requirements.
Prerequisites & Physical Expectations
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Introductory courses like swiftwater and flood rescue technician and river rescue courses do not require prior experience. Advanced level courses will require previous training or operational experience in moving water environments.
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Participants should be comfortable in the water and able to swim while wearing personal protective equipment. These are physically demanding courses conducted in real water environments.
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Most courses are intended for adult participants. Minimum age requirements may vary depending on course level. See individual courses for information.
Equipment & Safety
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Some team equipment can be provided, individual gear is the responsibility of the student or hosting agency. Equipment requirements are communicated in advance of the course.
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Common requirements include a rescue-rated PFD (type III or V), water-specific rescue helmet, appropriate thermal protection, and footwear suitable for moving water environments. Exact requirements vary by course and conditions and will be communicated in advance of the course.
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Yes. Training is conducted in actual river environments, providing realistic exposure to moving water and hazards while maintaining safety oversight.
Logistics & Delivery Model
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Course duration varies depending on the course level and objectives. Many courses are delivered over multiple days to allow for classroom instruction, skills practice, and scenario-based training.
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Yes. Courses can often be delivered at agency-selected locations, provided suitable water environments are available. We do this to allow teams to train in their response area, which enables them to gain familiarity and better prepare for swiftwater incidents.
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Courses are adapted to prevailing conditions. Instructors strive to continuously evaluate environmental factors to ensure training remains safe and effective.
Differentiation & Decision-Making
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Our scenario based training emphasizes risk management, situational awareness, and decision-making alongside technical skills. Courses are designed to help responders recognize go/no go situations determining when to act, how to act safely, and when not to engage.
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Yes. Courses include extensive practical application, skill stations, and realistic scenarios to reinforce learning in real-world conditions.
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Yes. Training can be adapted to reflect agency standard operating guidelines (SOG) and standard operating procedures (SOP), operational roles, equipment caches, and regional hazards, making it more relevant and actionable for participants.
