Swiftwater Rescue Training & Wilderness First Aid Classes

Instructions and Certifications Through Cascade Safety Institute

Why Choose Swiftwater Rescue & First Aid Training through Cascade?

We are a full-service training facility in Idaho with classes for professional rescue teams and private whitewater boaters. Our classes teach real-world proven, up-to-date techniques, in an effective learning environment. All of our classes offer hands-on practice with an emphasis on group dynamics, personal and team safety, equipment management, and safe rescue technique.

River Rescue

We offer 2 days of self and team-based rescue geared toward recreational river users. Book a class with your paddling group and develop team dynamics while learning and improving your rescue techniques. Confidence and knowledge from this course will make your river trips more enjoyable.

Swiftwater Rescue

Working in the water as a professional rescuer? Our Rescue 3 SRT-1 and SRT-A certifications can equip your team or department to deploy for swiftwater rescues safely and effectively. Our classes focus on skills development equipping the individual and the team for success. These courses are NFPA compliant.

Wilderness First Aid

We are proud to offer a variety of Wilderness First Aid options accredited through Sierra Rescue International. Our classes focus on medical, trauma, and environmental emergencies and patient care, and will prepare the student for the challenges of performing first aid in the wilderness environment.

Swiftwater Rescue & First Aid Certification Options

Preparation, Knowledge and Confidence

Effective, hands-on training will prepare you to act in the dynamic environments of river rescue and wilderness first aid. 

WHY CHOOSE CASCADE SWIFTWATER RESCUE TRAINING & WILDERNESS FIRST AID

  • Review Title Here!

    "The 2-day whitewater rescue class exceeded my expectations on many levels. Shane - the instructor -- broke everything down in ways that were easy to understand and put into practice. And he made every single bit of it fun and interesting. I always felt safe during all the river exercises and rescue scenarios. And I learned far more than I thought I would. Everyone who owns a raft, or plans to be a passenger on a rafting trip should sign up for this course. You will feel more confident and comfortable, and make the experience more fun and much safer for your group and other groups on the river."

    Christine
  • Review Title Here!

    "You will leave this class with the functional, practiced skills to affect a rescue on the river, whether that's someone in your party or someone else you encounter ... which is an incredible testament to the quality of the instructors. On the one hand there are so many moving pieces to learn, and on the other hand, Tren and Shane continually funneled that information into a single, cohesive stream of thought and action. Truly one of the most rewarding experiences I could imagine, and in hindsight couldn't imagine taking a rescue course in such a dynamic environment with anyone else."

    Shawn

SWIFTWATER RESCUE TRAINING & WILDERNESS FIRST AID CLASSES FAQs

  • Who should take a swift water rescue course?

    Anyone who plans on recreating in the river should be interested in swift water rescue. You will learn the tools and refine the skills needed to perform self-rescue and team rescue in the swift water environment. Both the swiftwater rescue and recreational river rescue classes are packed with useful information and you’ll gain confidence in your knowledge and be able to act when necessary.

  • What does the swift water rescue training class cover?

    All of our swift water rescue classes cover the skills of self-rescue for all types of river users. We cover swift water swimming, aggressive swimming, throw bag techniques, mechanical advantage with ropes, entrapment, and scenario-based learning evolutions.

  • What is the difference between the swiftwater rescue course and the river rescue training?

    The swift water rescue course is designed for professional rescuers.  Typically these classes include fire departments, ambulance crews, search and rescue teams, professional river guides, and any other group who might be called on to assist in a professional manner in the swift water rescue environment. The river rescue training is catered toward the recreational users from a variety of crafts including rafters, kayakers, and all river users.

  • Can you accommodate my fire department, search and rescue team, or dive team in your swift water rescue course?

    Yes! We love to train departments and teams.  We can travel to your area of operation for custom courses in your area of operation, or you can travel to the Payette River and train at our center.  The benefit of training as a team is the learning environment is extremely conducive to team building, group communications, and river skills. You’ll also come away with the confidence that your team is on the same page and can act seamlessly together in a water rescue emergency.

  • Can I book a private swift water rescue training or wilderness first aid class for my group of coworkers or paddling partners?

    The dynamic team-building environment of the river rescue course is a prime environment for paddling groups to learn the importance of river rescue training and to understand how their team can work together and react in an emergency situation.  This learning is invaluable and promotes a team-based approach to river rescue. You know what others know and how you can rely on each other in a rescue scenario. The same can be said for the wilderness first aid and CPR class. Training with the people you work or hike or bike or ski with allows you to share knowledge and work together for the best possible outcome in a medical emergency.

  • What’s great about your wilderness first aid course and CPR class?

    All of our wilderness first aid courses are outside!  Our evolutions are hands-on and progressive, building the wilderness first aid training gradually as the class progresses. Our passionate instructors will equip you to deal with medical emergencies in the wilderness environment. Confidence in your training and knowledge encourages a calm and practical approach to wilderness first aid and this course includes lots of practice-time and interactive learning to reinforce the concepts.

  • What skills are covered in the wilderness first aid class?

    Our wilderness first aid class covers a great deal including patient assessment, medical emergencies, traumatic injury, environmental emergencies, and patient care and transport. If there are particular scenarios that you encounter often in your outdoor work or recreation, we’re happy to address those with additional focus and practice.

CUSTOM CERTIFICATION COURSES

We offer a full range of custom courses to suit the needs of any group. Whether you're looking for water rescue training or wilderness first aid classes, we've got you covered. For groups of 8 or more, we can work with you to create a personalized rescue package that meets your specific needs. Contact us today to start building your custom course!

Two people rescuing someone in swiftwater

Request a Custom Course

Share by: