About the Course

The ACA Level 4 Swiftwater Rescue course teaches recognition and avoidance of common river hazards, execution of self-rescue techniques, and rescue techniques for paddlers in distress. Emphasis is placed both on personal safety and on simple, commonly used skills. We will also practice fundamental and more advanced techniques for dealing with hazards that carry greater risks for both victim and rescuer, such as strainers, rescue vest applications, entrapments, and pins. Scenarios will provide an opportunity for participants to practice their skills both individually and within a team/group context.

Course Duration:
2-days (8 hours each)

2026 Course Dates:

• May 23-24
• June 13-14
• July 18-19
• Aug 8-9

Course Objectives:
• Promote proactive prevention of river accidents and injuries.
• Develop and practice key self-rescue skills.
• Identify and avoid river hazards by understanding hydrology, hazards, and river features.
• Focus on fast, low-risk strategies for early management of river accidents.
• Develop and practice methods for recovering swimmers, and loose boats and equipment.
• Develop and practice more advanced rope-based and in-water skills.
• Gain experience using the rescue PFD, and understand its strengths and weaknesses.
• Utilize rescue scene management principles needed within a paddling group.

Course Prerequisites:
All paddle craft are welcome. Boaters should be able to competently maneuver their craft in Class I-II rapids. However, all boaters, and non-boaters with an interest in swiftwater rescue (e.g., professional rescuers), will benefit from the class. Participants should be in good health and overall fitness, possess solid swimming ability, and be comfortable swimming in moving current during river drills. Participants should dress appropriately for weather and temperature and expect to be in the water for extended periods of time.

Essential Eligibility Criteria:
Our ACA courses are open to all individuals who acknowledge the ability to perform the following essential eligibility
criteria.

1. Breathe independently (i.e., not require medical devices to sustain breathing)
2. Independently maintain sealed airway passages while under water
3. Independently hold head upright without neck / head support
4. Manage personal care independently or with assistance of a companion
5. Manage personal mobility independently or with a reasonable amount of assistance
6. Follow instructions and effectively communicate independently or with assistance of a companion
7. Independently turn from face-down to face-up and remain floating face up while wearing a properly fitted PFD
8. Get on / off or in / out of a paddlecraft independently or with a reasonable amount of assistance
9. Independently get out and from under a capsized paddle craft
10. Remount or reenter the paddle craft following deep water capsize independently or with a reasonable amount of assistance
11. Maintain a safe body position while attempting skills, activities and rescues listed in the appropriate Course Outline, and have the ability to recognize and identify to others when such efforts would be unsafe given your
    personal situation

Minimum personal equipment for class:

• PFD designed for whitewater use. Rescue PFD recommended
• Whitewater helmet
• Protective clothing suitable for extended swimming in cold water
• Protective footwear,
• Boat and paddle may be needed
• Whistle
• Throw rope
• 15+ feet of one inch tubular nylon webbing
• 2 locking carabiners
• 2 prussic loops.

Most of this gear may be rented for an additional fee