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
April 29-April 30, 2023
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
$325
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 2023 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
$395
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.