Swiftwater Flood Rescue

Designed for high-risk professionals

This intensive program delivers the specific skills and techniques required for fly fishing guides, rafting guides, and professional kayakers, as well as outdoor enthusiasts who recreate near moving water.

Furthermore, due to its technical rigor, it is the ultimate training for first responders: Emergency Response Agencies, Paramedics, Firefighters, and Public Safety personnel.

Endorsements and Standards

The training standards are based on the IRIA Risk Matrix Management System, which quantifies technical skills in high-risk environments under the most stringent regulations:

NFPA
1983, 1006, 1670
OSHA
Global Standard
SERNATUR
NCh2950 Standard - Chile
Rescue Architecture

Specific Course Skills

Swiftwater Flood Rescue requires technical and strategic mastery. This program quantifies your skills and resource management under real stress.

Risk Management

River risk management. You will learn to perform tactical assessments of real scenarios and apply safety protocols.

Swimming and Crossing

Advanced mountain river swimming techniques and safe tactics for shallow water crossings with or without equipment.

Ropes and Devices

Pinpoint accuracy in throwbag deployment and tactical use of multiple in-water rescue devices.

Entrapment Extrication

Rapid extrication protocols for time-critical situations, such as forced submersions or extremity entrapments.

Rescue Equipment

Expert use of technical gear (hard and soft goods): carabiners, pulleys, webbing, and knots for field operations.

Mechanical Advantage

Design and rigging of force multiplier systems to unpin or move boats trapped on rocks with minimal physical effort.

Day-by-Day Breakdown

On-River Curriculum

Scroll to descend through the 3 days of instruction.

Day 1 - Morning

Fundamentals & Hydrology

We start in the classroom and on the riverbank. You will learn to read water dynamics (currents, eddies, holes), rescue philosophy, and priorities (Self, Team, Victim).

Day 1 - Afternoon

Technical Swimming & Self-Rescue

We hit the water. Intensive practice of defensive and offensive swimming in rapids, shallow water crossings, and proper use of the PFD.

Day 2 - Full Day

Ropes & Mechanical Advantage

The most technical day. Use of throwbags, advanced knots, anchors, and rigging mechanical advantage systems (3:1 and 4:1 Z-Drag) to move heavy loads.

Day 3 - Morning

Extrication & Entrapments

Team wading techniques, managing trapped victims (foot entrapments), and protocols for righting or unpinning stuck boats.

Day 3 - Afternoon

Simulation & Final Assessment

Your skills will be put to the test under pressure through simulated scenarios. Upon passing, you will earn your official International Rescue certification.

Frequently Asked Questions

Get your questions answered before registering for the certification.

No previous rescue experience is required. However, it is a physically demanding course. It is a mandatory requirement to be a strong swimmer, feel comfortable submerged in whitewater, and have a level of physical fitness compatible with intense sporting activity.

The IRIA WRT-PRO certification is valid for 3 years from the date of passing. It is the gold standard in the adventure tourism and firefighting industries, and it is globally recognized (USA, Europe, Oceania, and throughout Latin America).

It depends on the local provider, but generally, personal equipment is NOT included. You must bring your own wetsuit (or drysuit), personal flotation device (PFD) with a quick-release rescue harness, whitewater helmet, water shoes, river knife, and whistle. If you don't have them, ask about our gear rental options.

Rescue philosophy is based on the student demonstrating technical competency. If you do not meet the minimum safety objectives or fail the theoretical exam, you will receive an attendance certificate (Awareness level) instead of the Technician certification, but there are no refunds. The instructor will always work to bring you up to standard during the 3 days.

The practical sections take place in local rivers (usually the Fuy, San Pedro, or Trancura rivers, depending on the water level and time of year). Accommodation and meals are the student's responsibility, although we always recommend partner hostels with preferential rates near our base.

Ready to raise your professional standard?

Course spots are strictly limited to guarantee the quality of instruction.

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The rescue doesn't end on the riverbank. Get WAFA Certified

You managed to get the victim out of the rapid... now what? The Wilderness Advanced First Aid (WAFA) certification gives you the clinical knowledge to stabilize trauma, treat hypothermia, and keep your patient alive when the ambulance is hours away.

View WAFA Course

"Men wanted for hazardous journey. Low wages, bitter cold, long months of complete darkness, constant danger, safe return doubtful. Honour and recognition in case of success."

— Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition