Swiftwater Rescue Technician; February 3-7, 2025

Swiftwater Rescue Technician is an intensive 40-hour course designed for firefighters, emergency responders, and search and rescue personnel who may be called upon to perform rescues in moving water environments.

This physically demanding course combines classroom instruction with extensive hands-on training in actual swift water conditions. Key topics include hydrology and river dynamics; hazard recognition and risk assessment; shore-based and in-water rescue techniques; use of specialized equipment like throw bags, rescue PFDs, and inflatable rescue boats; victim management; low-head dam and flood rescue operations; and night rescue operations.

Upon completion, students will have the knowledge, skills and abilities to meet the job performance requirements for swiftwater rescue technicians as outlined in NFPA 1006 (2021 ed.). This course is taught by experienced swiftwater rescue instructors with extensive real-world rescue experience.

Location: Benque Viejo, Belize

Hours: 0800-1700 Daily

Cost: $1595 per student. Cancellations must be received 14 days prior to start date for refund. Substitutions allowed.

Required Equipment: Drysuit or wetsuit, water rescue helmet, water rescue boots, throw bag, knife, whistle, personal flotation device (PFD)

Prerequisites: Students must be strong swimmers and comfortable in moving water. Basic swift water awareness training recommended. Participants should be in good physical condition due to the demanding nature of in-water training.