Master Swift Water Rescue and Technical River Rescue with the help of our river guide training courses.
If you are looking for swiftwater rescue and technical rescue training in Montana you’ve come to the right place. Whether you want to become a river guide, a knowledgeable river recreation enthusiast, or trained public safety personnel we have the rescue courses for you. Our courses give you, the student, the opportunity to spend the bulk of the course on the river developing a foundation of real rescue training skills through practical emergency scenarios with hands-on training.
The courses include an ACA L4 participation card and the Swift Water Rescue workbook. Our Advanced course also includes a form documenting the participants performed skills and qualifications (great to have if you’re intending to apply to work with an outfitter).
River Rescue
The River Rescue is designed for private boaters. This is an excellent course if you want an introduction to river rescue. We work on developing the skills needed for river runners!
The River Rescue is a course designed for boaters. We work on developing the skills needed for river runners! This course is the best fit for people that run rivers and have some ability to read water. The primary focus of this course is prevention of river issues by thinking and talking through river emergencies. The course has sections that focus on rafting, fishing, kayaking and paddleboarding. Make sure to let your instructor know your preferred craft so they can tailor the course to your needs.
Course Dates
May 3-4, 2025
Private Classes Available
Class begins at 9:00am sharp unless notified otherwise. There will be time for breaks, most people prefer to bring a lunch.
Course Length
2 days
Course Price
$350
Skills Covered
- Hydrology and Reading Water
- Medical Considerations
- Evacuation Considerations
- Safety Talks
- Aggressive Swimming Techniques
- Defensive Swimming Techniques
- Strainer Swim and Self Rescue
- Throwbag Training
- Shallow Water Crossings
- Foot Entrapments
- Body Entrapments
- Contact Rescues
- Live Bait Rescues
- Raft Flip Drills
- Kayak Pins
- Wrapped Boats
- Rope Skills
- Rope Strengths & Construction
- Anchor Building
- Knots & Hitches
- Mechanical Advantage
- Tension Diagonal
What to Bring
Required Equipment
- Personal Flotation Device
- Drysuit or Wetsuit
- Helmet
- Sturdy Footwear
- Neoprene Gloves
Suggested Equipment
- Locking Carabiner
- Throwbag (so you can practice with what you will use)
- River Knife
- Whistle
Great Northern has rental equipment available. Call to reserve.
Women’s Specific River Rescue
The Women’s Specific River Rescue is a course covers the essentials of swiftwater safety and rescue in a super supportive all lady environment. Develop your rescue skills for river running!
The Women’s Specific Swiftwater Rescue workshop teaches execution of self-rescue techniques, recognition and avoidance of common river hazards, and rescue techniques for paddlers in distress. Emphasis is placed both on simple, commonly used safety skills and on personal safety. We cover fundamental and more advanced techniques for dealing with hazards that carry greater risks for both victim and rescuer, such as entrapments, strainers, rescue vest applications, and boat pins.
Course Dates
May 24-26, 2025
Private Classes Available
Class begins at 9:00am sharp unless notified otherwise. There will be time for breaks, most people prefer to bring a lunch.
Course Length
3 days
Course Price
$425
Skills Covered
- Hydrology and Reading Water
- Key Self Rescue Skills
- Evacuation Considerations
- Gain Experience using a rescue PFD
- Aggressive Swimming Techniques
- Defensive Swimming Techniques
- Strainer Swim and Self Rescue
- Throwbag Training
- Shallow Water Crossings
- Foot Entrapments
- Body Entrapments
- Contact Rescues
- Live Bait Rescues
- Raft Flip Drills
- Methods for Recovering Swimmers
- Wrapped Boats
- Rope Skills
- Rope Strengths & Construction
- Anchor Building
- Knots & Hitches
- Mechanical Advantage
- Tension Diagonal
What to Bring
Required Equipment
- Personal Flotation Device
- Drysuit or Wetsuit
- Helmet
- Sturdy Footwear
- Neoprene Gloves
Suggested Equipment
- Locking Carabiner
- Throwbag (so you can practice with what you will use)
- River Knife
- Whistle
Great Northern has rental equipment available. Call to reserve.
River Rescue
The River Rescue is designed for private boaters. This is an excellent course if you want an introduction to river rescue. We work on developing the skills needed for river runners!
The River Rescue is a course designed for boaters. We work on developing the skills needed for river runners! This course is the best fit for people that run rivers and have some ability to read water. The primary focus of this course is prevention of river issues by thinking and talking through river emergencies. The course has sections that focus on rafting, fishing, kayaking and paddleboarding. Make sure to let your instructor know your preferred craft so they can tailor the course to your needs.
Course Dates
May 3-4, 2025
Private Classes Available
Class begins at 9:00am sharp unless notified otherwise. There will be time for breaks, most people prefer to bring a lunch.
Course Length
2 days
Course Price
$350
Skills Covered
- Hydrology and Reading Water
- Medical Considerations
- Evacuation Considerations
- Safety Talks
- Aggressive Swimming Techniques
- Defensive Swimming Techniques
- Strainer Swim and Self Rescue
- Throwbag Training
- Shallow Water Crossings
- Foot Entrapments
- Body Entrapments
- Contact Rescues
- Live Bait Rescues
- Raft Flip Drills
- Kayak Pins
- Wrapped Boats
- Rope Skills
- Rope Strengths & Construction
- Anchor Building
- Knots & Hitches
- Mechanical Advantage
- Tension Diagonal
What to Bring
Required Equipment
- Personal Flotation Device
- Drysuit or Wetsuit
- Helmet
- Sturdy Footwear
- Neoprene Gloves
Suggested Equipment
- Locking Carabiner
- Throwbag (so you can practice with what you will use)
- River Knife
- Whistle
Great Northern has rental equipment available. Call to reserve.
Advanced River Rescue
The Advanced River Rescue is a course designed for professional river guides. The scenarios practiced and discussed in this class are pulled directly from common river issues that professional boaters encounter.
The Advanced River Rescue is designed for professional river guides or those interested in guiding. The scenarios practiced and discussed in this class are pulled directly from common river issues that guides encounter. The primary focus of the course is prevention and developing situational awareness that will help to minimize risks and shorten response times.
Course Dates
Sold out for 2025 Season.
Private Classes Available
Class begins at 9:00am sharp unless notified otherwise. There will be time for breaks, most people prefer to bring a lunch.
Course Length
3 days
Course Price
$425
Skills Covered
- Hydrology and Reading Water
- Medical Considerations
- Evacuation Considerations
- Safety Talks
- Aggressive Swimming Techniques
- Defensive Swimming Techniques
- Strainer Swim and Self Rescue
- Throwbag Training
- Shallow Water Crossings
- Foot Entrapments
- Body Entrapments
- Contact Rescues
- Live Bait Rescues
- Raft Flip Drills
- Kayak Pins
- Wrapped Boats
- Rope Skills
- Rope Strengths & Construction
- Anchor Building
- Knots & Hitches
- Mechanical Advantage
- Tension Diagonal
- Searches and Communications
- Real Life Scenarios
- Night Operations*
What to Bring
Required Equipment
- Personal Flotation Device
- Drysuit or Wetsuit
- Helmet
- Sturdy Footwear
- Neoprene Gloves
Suggested Equipment
- Locking Carabiner
- Throwbag (so you can practice with what you will use)
- River Knife
- Whistle
Great Northern has rental equipment available. Call to reserve.
Swiftwater Rescue & Technical Rope Rescue Gallery
