2026 Swiftwater Rescue Course
ACA Level 4 Swiftwater Rescue | Roaring Fork Valley
Be proactive. Be prepared.
The Roaring Fork Kayaking Club’s 2026 Swiftwater Rescue Course is designed for whitewater kayakers, rafters, guides, instructors, and recreational paddlers who want to build real-world rescue skills and confidence on moving water.
Upon successful completion, participants receive an ACA Level 4 Swiftwater Rescue Certificate of Completion, recognized by most river outfitters, kayak schools, and outdoor programs.
Course Overview
This hands-on, scenario-based workshop focuses on:
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Recognition and avoidance of common river hazards
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Development of essential self-rescue skills
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Rescue techniques for paddlers in distress
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Fast, low-risk decision making in dynamic river environments
Participants will practice both fundamental and advanced techniques for handling higher-risk scenarios such as:
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Strainers
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Entrapments
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Pins
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Rescue vest applications
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Recovering swimmers and loose gear
Scenarios are designed to build both individual skill and team-based rescue coordination, emphasizing personal safety and practical, efficient rescue strategy.
Course Objectives
By the end of the course, participants will:
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Promote proactive prevention of river accidents and injuries
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Understand river hydrology, features, and hazard identification
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Develop and practice key self-rescue skills
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Apply low-risk, high-efficiency rescue strategies
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Gain experience managing real-world rescue scenarios in a team setting
Who This Course Is For
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Recreational paddlers looking to increase safety skills
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Private boaters
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River guides and aspiring guides
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Outdoor professionals
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Anyone spending time on moving water
Previous whitewater experience is strongly recommended.
Why Swiftwater Rescue Matters
River conditions change. Hazards shift. Even experienced paddlers encounter unexpected situations.
Swiftwater Rescue training builds:
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Confidence under pressure
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Situational awareness
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Technical rescue competence
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Leadership in emergency scenarios
Whether you’re boating Class II or Class V, these skills make you a safer paddler and a stronger asset to your crew.