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Colorado Rafting Company - Whitewater Rafting Trips in Colorado

Colorado Swiftwater Rescue Courses

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Courses accredited through the ACA, the American Canoe Association

Gain the skills and confidence needed in swiftwater rescue situations. Colorado Rafting Company is committed to providing high-quality education to those seeking instruction in river related activities. Our ACA-certified instructors have years of experience and take our courses beyond the requirements to best prepare students to become more competent, confident, and skilled in swiftwater situations.  

Book a trip online or CALL TODAY to reserve your spot.
ACA Level 4 Swiftwater Rescue Course
2-Day Swiftwater Rescue Course

This 2-day ACA Swiftwater Rescue course teaches recognition and avoidance of common river hazards, execution of self-rescue techniques, and rescue techniques for paddlers in distress. Emphasis is placed both on personal safety and on simple, commonly used skills. Fundamental and more advanced techniques for dealing with hazards that carry greater risks for both victim and rescuer, such as strainers, rescue vest applications, entrapments, and pins, also are practiced. Scenarios will provide an opportunity for participants to practice their skills both individually and within a team/group context.

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Swiftwater Rescue Course Objectives

  1. Promote proactive prevention of river accidents and injuries.
  2. Develop and practice key self-rescue skills.
  3. Identify and avoid river hazards by understanding hydrology, hazards, and river features.
  4. Focus on fast, low-risk strategies for early management of river accidents.
  5. Develop and practice methods for recovering swimmers, and loose boats and equipment.
  6. Develop and practice more advanced rope-based and in-water skills.
  7. Gain experience using the rescue PFD, and understand its strengths and weaknesses.
  8. Utilize rescue scene management principles needed within a paddling group.
Course Prerequisites
Swiftwater Course

All boaters and non-boaters with an interest in swiftwater rescue (e.g., professional rescuers), will benefit from the class. Participants should be in good health and overall fitness, possess solid swimming ability, and be comfortable swimming in moving current during river drills. Participants should dress appropriately for weather and temperature and expect to be in the water for extended periods of time.

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Required Gear
Swiftwater Course
  • PFD designed for whitewater use (rescue PFD preferred)
  • Whitewater helmet
  • Protective clothing suitable for extended swimming in cold water
  • Protective footwear
  • Whistle
  • Throw bag
  • 15+ feet of one inch tubular nylon webbing,
  • 2 locking carabiners
  • 2 prussic loops
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2025 Course Dates
  • May 24th-25th, 2025
  • June 14th-15th, 2025 (Sold Out)
  • July 12th-13th, 2025
  • Aug 9th-10th, 2025
What's Included
  • ACA Certified Professional Instructor
  • ACA Level 4 Swiftwater Rescue Certificate of Completion; accepted by most river outfitters, kayak schools, and outdoor programs
  • Discounted use on rescue and river gear (if needed)
Course Location

Course location may vary based on river flows but we primarily run our courses on Clear Creek near Idaho Springs.

Cancellation Policy

Cancellations and Rescheduling will be honored 14 days prior to course start date. An administrative fee of 10% will be assessed for all cancellations and/or rescheduling.

All activities are Rain or Shine. In case of operator cancellation due to adverse or unsafe conditions prior to start time, first the operator will attempt to reschedule. If rescheduling is not possible, the client will receive a full refund.