Swiftwater Rescue Classes in Montana

Swiftwater rescue training is here!  Swiftwater Rescue classes will be offered throughout Montana starting the first weekend in April with our Swiftwater Rescue Technician class in Missoula.

The 20 hour cours is designed for novice river paddlers, guides and professional rescuers who want to be better prepared to respond to river emergencies. Swiftwater Rescue training is essential for whitewater rafting guides and search and rescue professionals in Montana.

Swiftwater Rescue Training with Montana River Guides

“The initial emphasis of the class is to teach students how to recognize and avoid hazards so they don’t become victims,” says Mike Johnston, an instructor at the Whitewater Rescue Institute.
“After reviewing equipment, how to read water, and rescue basics they’ll spend two full days on the river practicing self rescue and rescuing others.”

Students learn how to prepare for and prevent accidents, how to swim defensively and aggressively in whitewater, simple shore-based rescues, technical rope systems, and much more.

“We want them to know how to stay out of trouble, how to self rescue if they get in trouble, and have the swift water rescue skills to help some else who may need help on the river,” Johnston  said.

Montana River Rescue Training: Scenarios & Teamwork

Students practice their swift water rescue skills while responding as a team to a series of realistic river rescue scenarios that allow them to size up a scene and make rescue decisions in real-time. By practicing in the river students learn what equipment and techniques work and which ones are less effective.  Students get hands-on practice with the most likely rescue scenarios Montana rivers offer such as rescuing conscious and unconscious swimmers, hypothermic victims, people stranded or entrapped, boat flips, pins, and situations with multiple victims. Working in small teams allows participants to practice rescue organization basics while maximizing experience with realistic river rescue situations.

No experience is necessary. The class is certified through the Whitewater Rescue Institue ( WRI) which teaches river rescue and safety classes all over Montana and as far away as Costa Rica.

The cost is $335. For more information or to register call Mike Johnston at 406-214-0245.