ACA Advanced Swiftwater Rescue: Downriver Scenarios

Nolichucky River or French Broad Section 9

FROM:$150.00

Months of Operation:

March-October

Duration:

1 day

Begins:

7:30 AM

Age Requirements:

Age 14+
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Overview & Highlights

This is for you if: You've already taken a swiftwater rescue class and want additional training and practical experience leading rescues in scenarios that most closely simulate the real deal while traveling downriver.

During the ACA Level 5 Advanced Swiftwater Rescue Downriver Scenarios Course your instructor will lead you through a brief skills recap followed by a day on the water during which you will paddle into simulated rescue scenarios as you work your way downriver. It is intentionally set up like a regular river trip so as to capture the essence and real-world dynamic of paddling into a rescue scene and having to take timely and competent action. This class is a natural progression from your previous training and one of the best ways to further improve your ability to effectively lead rescues when seconds count.

Class 3 boating skills and successful completion of either ACA or Rescue 3 Basic Swiftwater Rescue is required. Minimum age is 14. Our Downriver Scenarios Course pairs well with our Advanced Techniques Course, which we often schedule adjacent to the Downriver Scenarios Class. So, if you really want to take your rescue skills to the next level, combine both classes for a comprehensive rescue deep dive.  Lead instructor is ACA Advanced Swiftwater Rescue IT Scott Fisher, who has been teaching rescue for over 15 years.
Highlights:
  • Dynamic advanced swiftwater rescue training that is realistic, professional and fun
  • Reinforcement of existing skills and introduction of new skills
  • Opportunity to lead and conduct rescues in simulated scenarios while moving downriver
  • A supportive learning environment
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Nolichucky River or French Broad River Section 9

2 Jones Branch Rd, Erwin, TN 37650, USA

Additional Information

  • What to Expect

    • Full day of rescue scenarios while traveling downriver
    • Reinforce fundamental rescue skills, including swimming/self-rescue, throw ropes, and boat-based rescue
    • Refine and extend critical judgment while conducting and leading rescues in multiple scenarios 
    • Utilize rescue scene management principles needed within a paddling group
    • Develop and practice more advanced rope-based and in-water skills

  • Prerequisites

    • Age 14+
    • Previous completion of a basic swiftwater rescue course (Level 4 or equivalent)
    • Class 3 paddling skills
    • Good overall health and fitness
    • Solid swimming ability and comfortable swimming in moving water 
    • Participants should dress appropriately for weather and temperature and expect to be in the water for extended periods of time

  • Includes

    • SWR skills refresher
    • 8-9 hours of advanced swiftwater rescue training 
    • Shuttle
    • Use of rescue PFD if needed

  • What to Bring

    Paddle craft of choice (must be rated for whitewater), helmet (must be rated for whitewater), type III or V  PFD (rescue PFD highly recommended), whistle and knife attached to PFD or in pocket, throw rope (recommend 70-75 feet of 5/16- or 3/8-inch polypropylene or Spectra/Dyneema), two 12-20' lengths of 1-inch tubular nylon webbing, two 6-8' pieces of 5-6 millimeter nylon prusik cord (or hollowblock), four oval-, pear-or “D”-shaped locking carabiners, 2 pulleys (optional), paddle, breakdown paddle (highly encouraged, stored in boat), closed-toe water shoes (no sandals, must cover the whole foot), river clothing suitable for the conditions (e.g., polypro or fleece upper and lower body, IR Thinskin or Thickskin, drytop, drysuit, wetsuit—we will be spending a lot of time in the water so err on the side of caution), sunscreen, rain jacket (weather dependent), gloves (optional), craft-specific accessories as appropriate (e.g., sprayskirt, flotation bags, SUP leash, etc), camp chair, food, snacks, water

  • Meeting Location

    Specific river and meeting location will be sent out separately.

  • Additional Information

    Food and  lodging are the responsibility of participants. Riverside lodging and camping are available at our Nolichucky outpost and can be reserved directly with either USA Raft  or Nolichucky Gorge Campground.

  • Testimonials

    "I had a wonderful experience throughout my Advanced SWR-Downriver scenarios class with NOLI! The instructors were engaging and really tailored their instruction to the students’ individual and group goals and wants for the class. Thanks to this class, I feel confident that I will be better equipped to act competently and efficiently in rescue situations on the water. I owe it to my friends and myself to be prepared for the days when sh*t hits the fan on the river. And now I am! I look forward to taking another class with you all at NOLI soon!! Thanks so much!"

    ~ Rachel F.


Policies & Agreements

  • Terms and conditions

    I certify that all registrants meet course prerequisites as defined in the course description, meet the minimum age requirements and do not have any medical conditions or limitations that would prevent their ability to safely participate in the activity.

  • Cancellation policy

    NOLI activities go rain or shine. If you cancel or decrease the number of participants in your party the following applies:

    Cancellations 30 or more days prior to your activity will receive a full refund.
    Cancellations 14-29 days prior to the activity date will receive a full reservation booking voucher.
    Cancellations 0-13 days prior to the activity date are not extended a refund or voucher.
    No Shows are not extended a refund or voucher.

Upcoming Dates & Availability

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