Basic River Rescue

Learn basic river rescue skills that are practical and effective for anyone on the river, in one day.

This one-day River Rescue course will cover the basic whitewater rescue skills practical to paddlers of all ability levels and crafts. The course will include skill development in use of basic rescue equipment, whitewater swimming, wading in whitewater, rope throwing, and basic knots. We'll also discuss prevention, crisis decision-making, recognition and avoidance of river hazards and how to keep rescuers safe. This is an excellent course for the boater that has never had any formal rescue training or one who just needs a basic rescue refresher. This program is ideal when paired with our one day Wilderness First Aid for Boaters course.

Basic River Rescue
Course Length: 1 day
Ages: 16 years and older
Price: $109 - instruction
$25 - gear
Starting Dates: May 24, 31
June 7, 14, 21, 28
July 5, 12, 19, 26
August 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
Check In Day: Every Saturday 5/24 - 8/30
8:30 am
Check In Location: Information Office / General Store
Meals: Lunch
Course Concludes: 5 pm
What's Included: Bring your own: boat, paddle, PFD, helmet, sprayskirt and rescue gear; however, NOC will have some specialty demo gear available to try out during the day.
Prerequisites: Intermediate I Kayak required skills

The course will include:

  • Skill development in whitewater
  • Swimming
  • Wading in whitewater
  • Rope throwing
  • Basic unpinning of boats.

We'll also disuss:

  • Crisis prevention
  • Crisis decision making
  • Problem recognition
  • Avoidance of river hazards
  • Keeping rescuers safe

This program is ideal when paired with our one day Wilderness First Aid for Boaters course.

Participants will need Class II boating skills and ability or willingness to walk, wade and climb around on wet rocks. We focus on your safety while teaching you how to manage unforeseen challenges on the water. During our river time, we'll be in and on Class II-III rapids. If you are not sure how rapids are classified, visit the AW International Scale of River Difficulty page.

Contact Us
Call the Guest Relations Office at 800-232-7238 for information regarding availability and options.

Back to NOC Leadership Institute Course List
Back to Swiftwater Rescue Course List