Elite Technical Rescue Training Saves Lives
The Whitewater Rescue Institute (WRI) is a leader in technical rescue training and inland oil spill response. Our expert-led courses prepare public safety personnel, river guides, and outdoor enthusiasts with the skills to handle real-world rescue situations. Train with the best—be ready when it matters most.
Featured Courses
Rescue training for every skill level. From Swiftwater and Flood Rescue to Rope Rescue, Ice Rescue, Ice Rescue, and Boat Operations, WRI offers National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)-compliant training for public safety professionals and practical courses for river enthusiasts. We also provide customized training solutions tailored to your team’s needs.
Swiftwater/Flood Rescue
Swiftwater Spill Response
Motorized Boat Operations
TRAIN. RESPOND. SAVE.
Lack of Training Can Cost Lives
Emergencies demand fast, effective responses—but without proper training, even experienced rescuers can struggle. WRI provides hands-on, scenario-based courses to develop the real-world skills needed to execute life-saving rescues in swiftwater, flood, rope, and ice environments.
Be Ready When It Matters.
Why Choose WRI for Technical Rescue Training?
The Whitewater Rescue Institute delivers expert-led technical rescue training for fire departments, search and rescue teams, law enforcement, river guides, and outdoor professionals across the country. Our NFPA-compliant courses are built around real-world scenarios — not classroom theory. Students train in live water, on actual cliff faces, and in the same conditions they’ll face during a real emergency.
Based on the Clark Fork River near Alberton, Montana, our training facility offers direct access to Class I–IV whitewater, high-angle rock terrain, and seasonal ice conditions. It’s one of the most versatile rescue training environments in the nation.
Courses for Every Mission
From our Swiftwater Flood Rescue Technician course to specialized programs in fastwater spill response, rope rescue, ice rescue, and motorized boat operations, WRI offers training that meets your team where they are. We also travel nationwide to host private courses tailored to your agency’s specific needs and terrain.
Trusted by Agencies Nationwide
WRI has trained thousands of first responders, military personnel, and outdoor professionals. Our instructors bring decades of combined field experience — from wildland search and rescue operations to large-scale inland oil spill responses. When lives are on the line, the skills we teach make the difference.
Ready to get started? Browse our upcoming courses or contact us to schedule private training for your team.
EXPERIENCE TECHNICAL RECUE TRAINING YOU CAN TRUST
Rescue Training Led by Real-World Professionals
WRI instructors aren’t just teachers—they’re experienced professionals. Our team includes US Coast Guard-licensed boat captains, search & rescue personnel, National Park Rangers, NOLS instructors, EMTs, and climbing guides. We live what we teach, ensuring our students receive the highest-quality technical rescue training available.