In the past, potential guides have had to attend a series of courses, giving up many weekends and free time to become certified in First Aid, CPR, Swift Water Rescue, and to learn how to guide a raft. Now, WRI has partnered with Aerie Backcountry Medicine, Montana River Guides and Montana Tech of the University of Montana to offer this intensive seven day course as an all-in-one package. Not only will students receive the necessary certifications, but the courses will be integrated, giving students interested in whitewater a one of a kind experience, designed specifically for the Professional Guide.
The course will be held during Spring Break 2010 (March 16-20) and will be good for one credit through Montana Tech. Course location will be the Montana River Guides’ Alberton Gorge Ranch near Missoula, Montana (see photo below).
Participants will receive all the requisite certifications and training to launch their career as a whitewater raft guide. These include: Swift Water Rescue: Technician, Wilderness First Aid, and CPR certifications, and paddle/oar raft guide instruction. Cost $795
This course is compliant to the National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) standards 1006 and 1670, and specifically designed for the rescue professional. The SRT1 is an intensive 24
hour class with one day of classroom instruction followed by two days
developing and practicing skills on the river. While the initial
emphasis is safety & self rescue, the class offers an in-depth look at reading
water, recognizing and avoiding hazards, quick rescue techniques,
boat-based rescues, dealing with boat wraps and entrapments, technical
rescue systems, and a variety of practical scenarios. We analyze
footage of actual river rescues in the classroom and progress from a
solid foundation of rescue skills and practice into rescue scenarios on
the river. The class is challenging, fun and tailored to your needs.
This course is good for 24 hours of continuing education for Montana EMTs. A manual, test, patch, I.D. card, and certification included. Cost: $335
Swift Water Rescue: Technician Level II-
Designed for the rescue professional, this three-day river rescue course is compliant to the N.F.P.A. standards
1006 and 1670 and builds on the skills developed in the Level 1 course. Topics include:
stranded swimmers, class IV and V rescues, Telfer Lowers, Highline Tyroleans, Search skills, and much more.
Prerequisites include being in good physical condition, a basic
swimming ability, medical coverage, and a WRT or SRT-1 certification.
This course is good for
24 hours of continuing education for Montana EMTs. A manual, test, certificate of completion, patch, and I.D. card are included. Cost: $335
Swift Water Rescue: Operations
Designed for the river professional, this two-day river rescue course is compliant to the NFPA standard 1670 and provides the basics of river rescue. The emphasis is safety and self rescue, and topics include: reading water, recognizing and avoiding hazards, quick rescue techniques, and shore based operations. The class is challenging and fun, with the majority of time spent in the water. A manual, test, sticker, I.D. card, and certification includede. Cost: $195
Swift Water Rescue: Awareness-
This one-day course is designed for the river professional, and stresses the fundamentals of river rescue. Compliant to NFPA standard 1670, it is a must for any organization or individual with exposure to moving water. Course includes a manual, test, sticker, I.D. card, and certification. Cost: $125
Whitewater First Responder-
This
course is a 16 hour course designed for students with limited knowledge
and use of the river. The WFR has four hours of classroom and 12 hours
of practicing and developing the skills on the river. The emphasis is
safety & self rescue, with an in-depth look at
reading water, recognizing and avoiding hazards, quick rescue techniques,
and a variety of practical scenarios. A test, I.D. card, and certification are included. Cost: $195
Scenario Refresher Day-
This is an 8 hour course. This one-day course is designed for the
Swiftwater Rescuer in need of a tune-up.
Whether you are a professional fire fighter, or recreational boater,
you probably need to practice your skills. The Whitewater Rescue
Institute tailors this course to your needs and your river. We can
provide you with challenging scenarios that will leave you with a
renewed confidence in your skills. Cost: $120
New For 2010!!
Swiftwater Rescue: Technician Endorsements
Rescue Swimmer
This endorsements provides more in-depth training for rescuers conducting contact rescues. Practice tethered and non tethered rescues in class I-III whitewater, and walk away with a more comprehensive understanding of what is possible in swift water.
River Board Rescuer
The river board has long been used as a recreational and rescue option in the river. This one day course will give provide you with the necessary skills to effectively rescue a stranded swimmer and navigate class III-IV whitewater.
Boat Operator
The ability to control a boat in whitewater can be the most effective tool to save a life for any rescuer. On the other hand the inability to control a boat, can be the easiest way to increase the number of victims on scene. This endorsement will give you the tools necessary to become a skilled boat operator in any class of whitewater.

Swift Water Scenario Club-
This series of courses will be held throughout the month of July. The
four topic courses will be three hours long, and will be held on the
Blackfoot and Clark Fork rivers. Kayakers, Rafters, SAR members,
Firefighters, and all are invited. Each course will focus on one
topic, including
entrapments, boat flips, boat pins, and much more. Call for information.