Safety & Rescue Skills Courses

ACA Safety and Rescue courses are designed for the paddler in flatwater, moving water and whitewater environments.

Flatwater Kayak Safety and Rescue / Flatwater Canoe Safety and Rescue introduces essential flatwater safety practices and rescue techniques that can be performed with a minimum of equipment, in the first few minutes of an emergency.

Essentials of River Safety and Rescue (Level 2) teaches recognition and avoidance of common river hazards, execution of self-rescue techniques, and simple rescues of paddlers in distress in class I-II river venues. Emphasis is placed both on personal safety and on simple, commonly used skills. Fundamental techniques for dealing with hazards that carry greater risks for both victim and rescuer, such as entrapments, and pins, also are taught. This course is aimed primarily at new boaters, or boaters who do not anticipate paddling in whitewater.

 River Safety and Rescue (Level 3) teaches recognition and avoidance of common river hazards, execution of self-rescue techniques, and simple rescues of paddlers in distress in class II river venues. Emphasis is placed both on personal safety and on simple, commonly used skills. Fundamental techniques for dealing with hazards that carry greater risks for both victim and rescuer, such as entrapments, and pins, also are taught.

Swiftwater Rescue (Level 4) 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. Techniques for dealing with hazards that carry greater risks for both victim and rescuer, such as strainers, rescue vest applications, entrapments, and pins, also are practiced. Scenarios will provide an opportunity for participants to practice their skills both individually and within a team/group context.

Advanced Swiftwater Rescue (Level 5) is aimed at trip leaders, boaters paddling on more challenging whitewater, and anyone desiring opportunities to develop their rescue skills. Critical judgment and rescue awareness, impacting both personal and group safety, are emphasized throughout the course. Although new skills may be taught, this class focuses on developing judgment and applying skills in rescue scenarios. Scope and content of the course will vary, based upon participant needs, interests and experience.