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Whitewater River Rescue

In Washington State

Whitewater River Rescue Classes in Washington

River Recreation is proud to offer a wide range of river rescue classes. Whatever your needs, we can get you the training and awareness of river safety you will need to ensure you have the education to be safe on the river. We pride ourselves in being both river and swift water rescue safety experts. Remember, if you don’t see something that meets your needs, email us anytime. In addition, we can customize a class for groups of 6 people or more.

​Basic Water First Responder:

Designed for personnel who may be deployed to a basic (still) water environment, such as lakes, ponds and canals, where they may be required to undertake rescues. The course is a mixture of theory and practical sessions. The content includes the use of a variety of rescue equipment.

  • Minimum Age: 18
  • Class Duration: 12 Hours

​​Swiftwater First Responder:

This course is designed to provide students with both a theoretical and practical knowledge of the basics of swiftwater rescue. The class includes one day of classroom instruction and one day of practical field exercise. Students are trained in hazard recognition, equipment use, and basic shore and boat-based rescue techniques, as well as a wide variety of other skills. After completing this course, personnel will also be able to be in the support role for technician level rescuers in higher risk technical water rescues.

  • Minimum Age: 18
  • Class Duration: 16 Hours

​​​Whitewater Rescue:

This class is by far our most popular, and most informative class. The Whitewater Rescue Technician class is a dynamic curriculum specifically written for private boaters, kayakers, non-profit organizations, and river professionals taking a river rescue course for the first time. Basic river skills are a prerequisite. The emphasis is on identifying hazards and on the rescue of both self and others. Thinking through rescues is also emphasized. The course addresses the river rescue needs of rafters, cat boaters, kayakers, pack rafters, canoeists, riverboarders and SUP paddlers.

  • Minimum Age: 18
  • Class Duration: 20 Hours