Swiftwater Rescue Training & Water Safety Courses

Classes for Recreational Users, Professional and Instructors

Invest in Swiftwater Rescue and Water Safety Training with NOLI

Swiftwater rescue training and water safety courses with the Nolichucky Outdoor Learning Institute are essential for anyone who spends time on or near the water. The knowledge and skills gained through these courses are applicable to any body of water, and will provide you with the tools you need to navigate them safely and effectively. Whether you're a recreational paddler, a professional guide, a first responder, a park ranger, or a water safety and rescue trainer, you will learn how to handle challenging situations on the water, and gain a deeper understanding of the tools, techniques and equipment used for safety and rescue. Investing in swiftwater rescue and water safety training with the NOLI will not only improve your safety and enjoyment on any river or body of water, but it will also help you assist those in need when things don’t go according to plan, stakes are high and seconds count.

Why Choose Us for Your Water Safety And Rescue Class?

When learning skills as important as swiftwater rescue and water safety it’s never more important to find instruction that is professional and thorough. With NOLI you get that and more as our highly capable instructors, led by Advanced Swiftwater Rescue Instructor Trainer Scott Fisher, have extensive experience conducting and leading rescues and training in a variety of situations and conditions. And, as importantly, they do so in a manner that is open, empowering and fun.

Water Safety And Rescue Class Reviews

The Swiftwater Training course was terrific! I've been paddling since the early 90's and was able to refresh a few old skills but learn some new ones that seem extremely valuable. Scott, our instructor, was extremely knowledgeable, skilled, and able to teach in a way that included all of us in a very constructive way. I was highly impressed with his teaching skills, including knowledge, physical skills and amazing soft skills. I would definitely recommend this course to other paddlers and hope to take the next level course from Scott when it's available.

Derek E.

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The 2 day ACA L4 Swiftwater Rescue class was outstanding. I recommend it to anybody who paddles regularly on moving water. The hands-on practice and active scenario drills really solidified the difficulty and challenge of many of the rescue situations regularly encountered when paddling moving water.The material was well prepared and the course very well organized. It was a ton of material and practice packed in a 2 day, highly affordable class. Scott Fisher led the class and is a talented instructor with deep knowledge and a wealth of experience. Hats off to NOLI for putting this together. I'll be back.

David T.

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I took a NOLI river safety and rescue instructor course and was both amazed with the breadth of knowledge our instructor trainers Scott and Jeremy had and humbled when I realized exactly how far I had to go. The NOLI instructor's friendly but no-nonsense approach has dialed in exactly the right recipe to enforce core fundamentals, provide digestible new information, and give constructive feedback to create a clear path progression forward. 5/5 HIGHLY recommend.

Matthew L.

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Took the Advanced Swiftwater Rescue Downriver Scenarios clinic. This was my second clinic with NOLI. Felt like I left at the end of the day with more tools in my toolbox. The confidence that I am gaining is incredible. Thank you NOLI for making the rivers a safer place.

George H.

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The Flatwater Safety and Rescue class taught me so much that I hadn't even thought about for the past 4 years of kayaking on lakes and area rivers. Scott and Debbie make the class fun and also demonstrate the proper way to do the skill prior to students doing it, and if extra time is needed they go out of their way to make sure that all students have accomplished the skill. I would highly recommend this course to anyone who kayaks.

Valued Client

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Common Questions About Swiftwater Rescue Training and Water Safety

What do I need to bring to water safety and rescue training?

The list varies by class but, at a minimum, participants should bring protective clothing (non-cotton) for extended time in the water, towel, sunscreen, closed-toe water shoes (open-toe footwear and sandals not permitted), a water bottle or sports drink, bagged lunch and a change of clothes. A list of additional items to bring can be found under each class.
Do I need to have any previous experience to take swiftwater rescue or other water safety classes?

No previous experience is required to take the majority of our water safety and rescue classes. Our instructors will teach you the basics and guide you through the learning process. Our advanced swiftwater rescue classes require previous completion of the basic two-day swiftwater rescue course.
Does successful completion of a swiftwater rescue or other water safety rescue course certify recipients?

Participants who successfully complete a water safety rescue course receive a certificate of completion endorsed by both NOLI and the ACA, one of the two widely-recognized water rescue education bodies in the U.S. This meets the requirements of most organizations who mandate this training for their staff.
Is this training suitable for first responders, park staff and other professionals?

Yes, we routinely train first responders, firefighters, park rangers, professional guides and military. We can schedule training specifically for these groups or they can enroll in an existing class.
Do I need to be a paddler or bring a boat to class?

No, with the exception of instructor certification courses, participants are not required to bring or be proficient in a kayak, canoe, raft or other paddling craft.
Are there any age limits for taking canoe lessons?

Minimum age is 14 years old.