Are you interested in a Swiftwater or Technical River Rescue Course?

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.

Our philosophy is prevention and developing situational awareness in emergency situations. While the initial course emphasis is safety, self-rescue, & prevention, the courses offers an in-depth look at reading water, recognizing and avoiding hazards, quick rescue techniques, boat-based rescues, dealing with boat wraps and entrapment and technical rescue systems.

Our instructors are dedicated to providing the highest quality swiftwater and technical rescue training for our students. We are based in West Glacier Montana and teach our rescue courses on the North Fork and Middle Fork of the Flathead River.

Great Northern Whitewater Raft and Resort

More Rafting Options!

Fly Fishing Trips

Half Day Rafting Trips

Full Day Rafting Trips

Overnight Rafting Trips

Dinner Rafting Trips

Raft & Guide School

Youth River School

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. While we practice rescue techniques, 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. The course includes an ACA L4 participation card and the Swift Water Rescue workbook.

Course Length: 2 Days

Class begins at 9:00am sharp unless notified otherwise. There will be time for breaks, most people prefer to bring a lunch.

Course Price: $285

Course Dates:

May 2-3, 2020
June 20-21, 2020
Private Classes Available

Skills covered in the River Rescuer:

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. The Advanced River Rescue also has a night time search component. The course includes an ACA participation card, Swiftwater Rescue workbook, and a form documenting the participants performed skills and qualifications. (Great to have if you are intending to apply to work with an outfitter)

Course Length: 3 Days