Swiftwater Rescue
Water-based rescue programs are designed for rescue professionals, commercial river outfitters and private river runners.
Upcoming Events
USNWC Swiftwater and Flood Rescue I: Technician
USNWC Swiftwater and Flood Rescue II: Technician
April 1-3, 2026
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Charlotte, NC
April 15-17, 2026
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Charlotte, NC
April 29 - May 1, 2026
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Charlotte, NC
May 6-8, 2026
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Charlotte, NC
May 13-15, 2026
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Charlotte, NC
May 20-22, 2026
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Charlotte, NC
May 27-29, 2026
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Charlotte, NC
June 3-5, 2026
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Charlotte, NC
Level 4 Swiftwater Rescue Training + Wilderness First Responder
June 3-9, 2026
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Charlotte, NC
USNWC Swiftwater and Flood Rescue I: Technician
This is an introductory course of the Swiftwater and Flood Rescue curriculum intended for the rescue professionals.
Duration
2 days (16-18 hours)
2 days (16-18 hours)
Price
$325/person
$325/person
Age
18+
18+
Prerequisites
Basic swimming ability
Basic swimming ability
Course Capacity
10-24 participants
10-24 participants
USNWC Swiftwater and Flood Rescue II: Technician
This program is a continuation of Swiftwater and Flood Rescue I, offering further development in the basic skills.
Duration
3 days (24-27 hours)
3 days (24-27 hours)
Price
$385/person
$385/person
Age
18+
18+
Prerequisites
Basic swimming ability.
Must have completed USNWC SWR I
Basic swimming ability.
Course Capacity
10-24 participants
10-24 participants
USNWC Swiftwater Rescue Refresher
A one-day refresher course designed to fortify techniques and knowledge for swiftwater rescues.
Duration
1 day (8 hours)
1 day (8 hours)
Price
$130/person
$130/person
Age
18+
18+
Prerequisites
Basic swimming ability.
Completion of one swiftwater rescue course within past 3 years.
Basic swimming ability.
Course Capacity
8-18 participants
8-18 participants
Level 4 Swiftwater Rescue Training
This program is for industry professionals or recreational whitewater boaters looking to expand their rescue skills and obtain an ACA Level 4 certificate.
Duration
18-20 hours
18-20 hours
Price
$325/person
$325/person
Age
16+
16+
Prerequisites
Basic swimming ability.
Ability to competently paddle and perform rescues in up to Class I-II+ whitewater.
Basic swimming ability.
Course Capacity
10-20 participants
10-20 participants
USNWC Night Operations Course
A course exposing students to low and no-light swiftwater and flood rescue scenarios.
Duration
8-9 hours
8-9 hours
Price
$325/person (Water fee is included in price)
$325/person (Water fee is included in price)
Age
18+
18+
Prerequisites
Basic swimming ability.
Completion of the USNWC SWR I and II (or equivalent) within the last 2 years.
Basic swimming ability.
Course Capacity
10-18 participants
10-18 participants
Swiftwater and Flood Rescue Awareness Level Course
A comprehensive presentation that provides essential knowledge for support staff faced with a swiftwater or flood event.
Duration
4 hours
4 hours
Price
$75/person
$75/person
Course Capacity
10-100 participants
10-100 participants
Travel Fee
Courses outside of 100 mile radius will incur a travel fee
Courses outside of 100 mile radius will incur a travel fee
Paddle Boat Operator Course I: Intro
An introduction to operating rafts and other paddle-oriented craft for swifter and flood rescues
Duration
1 day (8 hours)
1 day (8 hours)
Price
$150/person
$150/person
Age
18+
18+
Course Capacity
8-18 participants
8-18 participants
Prerequisites
Basic swimming ability
Basic swimming ability
Paddle Boat Operator Course II: Development
Instruction for operating rafts and other paddlecraft for rescues in faster moving water (typically class II-III)
Duration
2 days (16-18 hours)
2 days (16-18 hours)
Price
$230/person
$230/person
Age
18+
18+
Course Capacity
8-18 participants
8-18 participants
Prerequisites
Basic swimming ability
Basic swimming ability
Paddle Boat Operator Course III: Advanced
A more advanced development of skills related to raft/paddlecraft rescues involving high-risk scenarios.
Duration
2 days (16-18 hours)
2 days (16-18 hours)
Price
$230/person
$230/person
Age
18+
18+
Course Capacity
8-18 participants
8-18 participants
Prerequisites
Basic swimming ability.
Completion of Paddle Boat Operator 1 course
Basic swimming ability.
USNWC Swiftwater Refresher - Intro to Paddle Boat Operator Course
A two-day course designed to fortify techniques and knowledge for swiftwater rescues and introduce participants to Paddlecraft Operator training.
Duration
2 days (16 hours)
2 days (16 hours)
Price
$250/person
$250/person
Age
18+
18+
Course Capacity
8-18 participants
8-18 participants
Prerequisites
Basic swimming ability.
Minimum of 1 swiftwater course within past 3 years
Basic swimming ability.