Find the Right Rescue Training Course
Whether you’re new to WRI or a seasoned alumnus, our technical rescue training courses are designed to meet you where you are. Explore detailed descriptions, prerequisites, and certification options to find the training that fits your goals and experience level. We offer Swiftwater Flood Rescue, Swiftwater Spill Response, Rope Rescue, Ice Rescue, and Boat Operations courses. Our swiftwater, rope, and ice rescue courses meet NFPA 1006 and 2500; motorized boat operations follows U.S. Coast Guard standards; and spill response is conducted in compliance with the Oil Pollution Act of 1990, EPA, U.S. Coast Guard, and DOT PHMSA requirements. All are led by real-world rescue professionals. In addition, we offer rescue training courses at our training facility on the Clark Fork River and travel nationwide to host private training for your agency.
Don’t see what you’re looking for? Reach out — we’ll gladly tailor a course to fit your needs!
Upcoming Sessions
Dates, locations, and pricing for our upcoming open-enrollment courses. Click Register to reserve your seat online, or contact us to host a private course for your agency.
Rope Rescue Technician
Jul 30–Aug 2, 2026 · Missoula, MT · $985
Swiftwater Spill Response Technician
Aug 10–13, 2026 · Missoula, MT · $1,695
Swiftwater Spill Response Technician
Sep 7–10, 2026 · Missoula, MT · $1,695
Technical Rescue Training
Swiftwater/Flood Rescue Technician
The Whitewater Rescue Institute offers the 20-hour Swiftwater/Flood Rescue Technician Course. This course is the industry standard for professionals and a vital starting point for anyone working or recreating in swiftwater environments. Taught by instructors with decades of real-world river experience, this course blends technical instruction with hands-on, scenario-based training. Students gain the skills and confidence needed to respond effectively in high-stress water rescue situations. The course is fully compliant with NFPA 1006 and NFPA 2500 standards, making it trusted by firefighters, search and rescue, law enforcement, and outdoor professionals nationwide. Whether you are new to swiftwater or looking to refresh your skills, this course provides the foundation for safe, effective rescue operations.
20 Hours $395.00/student
Swiftwater Spill Response Technician
Located on the Clark Fork River near Missoula, Montana, the WRI Training Center provides the ideal setting for comprehensive fastwater spill response instruction. Our 32-hour Swiftwater Spill Response Technician Course is designed to prepare responders for the unique challenges of inland and fastwater oil spill operations. Led by seasoned instructors with decades of river experience, this course emphasizes safety, risk management, and hands-on practice. Participants build confidence through real-world exercises in boom strategies, recovery systems, anchoring techniques, and jet boat operations — ensuring they leave ready to respond effectively in dynamic spill environments.
32 Hours $1695.00/Student
Rope Rescue Technician
The 40-hour Rope Rescue Technician Course prepares first responders for both high- and low-angle technical rescue. Combining classroom instruction with extensive hands-on practice, this rescue training course gives participants the skills to rig, belay, and execute complex rope rescues safely and effectively. Taught by experienced instructors, the training emphasizes not only how to build and operate safe systems, but also why they work. Students learn to assess situations, evaluate systems, and make sound decisions under pressure — ensuring they can adapt to real-world rescue scenarios with confidence. Conforming to NFPA standards, this course is trusted by fire departments, search and rescue, and professional responders who need the knowledge and competence to manage challenging rope rescue operations.
40 Hours $985.00/Student
Ice Rescue Technician
The Ice Rescue Technician Course is a two-day (16 hour) program that prepares responders for the extreme challenges of moving water and ice. Exceeding NFPA 1006 and NFPA 2500 standards, this hands-on course emphasizes rescuer safety, tactical decision-making, and real-world practice. Most of the training takes place on the ice, where students use technical gear, rope systems, and scenario-based exercises to build the confidence and skills needed to operate effectively in one of the most hazardous rescue environments.
16 Hours $305.00/Student
Motorized Boat Operations
The 24-hour Motorized Boat Operations Course provides rescue professionals with the skills to safely and effectively operate motorized boats in both moving and still water. Training focuses on hydrology, self-rescue, boat rigging, under-power and without-power operations, all reinforced through real-world scenarios. Participants develop confidence in maneuvering, crew coordination, and emergency response. This course emphasizes safety, leadership, and technical proficiency. Those seeking help with paddle rafting, rowing, packrafting, or guide school should contact us for alternative options.
24 Hours. Contact us today for pricing $$.
Host a Technical Rescue Training Course
Thank you for your interest in hosting a WRI course. At WRI, we strive to provide the highest quality education possible. As a result, we offer your agency not only the most up-to-date techniques in swiftwater rescue, but also real, hands-on experience performing rescues. By teaching through scenarios, participants discover personal strengths and weaknesses and see what works and what doesn’t in swiftwater rescue.
Hosting a course is simple. First, decide whether you want your training to be “in-house.” Our class minimum is 6 participants. If your agency has at least six and would like to customize the training to your specific needs, then in-house training is a great option.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are WRI’s rescue courses NFPA compliant?
Our swiftwater/flood, rope, and ice rescue courses are taught to NFPA 1006 and NFPA 2500 standards. Spill response follows the oil-spill regulatory framework — the Oil Pollution Act of 1990, EPA, U.S. Coast Guard, and DOT PHMSA — and motorized boat operations follows U.S. Coast Guard standards. Each discipline is held to the standard that actually governs it — we don’t apply one label across courses it doesn’t fit.
What courses does WRI offer, and how long is each?
We run five technical rescue courses: Swiftwater/Flood Rescue Technician (20 hours, $395), Ice Rescue Technician (16 hours, $305), Motorized Boat Operations (24 hours), Rope Rescue Technician (40 hours, $985), and Swiftwater Spill Response Technician (32 hours, $1,695). The full schedule is on our courses page.
Is there a prerequisite for the Swiftwater Spill Response Technician course?
No. The 32-hour course is open to responders from agencies and industrial operators without a prior certification. It’s conducted in compliance with the Oil Pollution Act of 1990, EPA, U.S. Coast Guard, and DOT PHMSA requirements, and its hours can be applied toward your agency’s HAZWOPER (29 CFR 1910.120) training requirements.
Do you travel to our agency for private training?
Yes. We deliver private, in-house courses for agencies and departments with a minimum of 6 students — at your location or at our training facility near Alberton, Montana. Contact us to host a course for a quote.
Where does WRI’s training take place?
Hands-on training takes place on live water — the Class II–IV Alberton Gorge of the Clark Fork River and the Blackfoot River, near Alberton and Missoula, Montana. Training in real moving water, led by instructors with decades of real-rescue experience, is what prepares responders for the conditions of an actual rescue, not a controlled pool. Classroom and rope sessions are also available at our Missoula location.
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