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
Coordinator:
  • Sergeant David Echternacht
  • 573-751-9942
For enrollment email applications to:
  • TNDmail@mshp.dps.mo.gov

Application For Training