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2019 Courses of Instruction

SWIFTWATER RESCUE

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 by the first day of class.  If fees are not paid in full prior to completion of class, certificates and continuing education hours will not be issued unless payment is received.

Cost:

  • $400 which includes the student packet and certification through Dive Rescue International.
  • Meals and lodging are at the expense of the student/agency.

Continuing Education Hours:

  • 28 hours of Skill Development
  • 8 hours of Technical Studies

Mineral Area College Credit:

  • None
Coordinator:
  • Sergeant David Echternacht
  • 573-751-9942
For questions concerning enrollment:
  • Jeanette Ford
  • 573-751-3626 or jeanette.ford@mshp.dps.mo.gov

Application For Training