Katahdin Rescue’s River Safety and Rescue one-day courses are a perfect introduction to river hazards and hydrology, self-rescue techniques, and simple companion rescues. These courses are dynamic, hands-on, and catered to Maine’s conditions: seasonal realities, cold water, remote access, and local trip patterns. Participants of River Safety and Rescue courses will develop heightened awareness in a river environment and be better prepared to make good decisions on and around rivers through hazard identification and risk assessment.
Katahdin Rescue’s River Safety and Rescue courses align with both Sierra Rescue’s River Safety and Rescue Course and American Canoe Association’s Level 2/3: River Safety and Rescue curricula.
Katahdin Rescue emphasizes context-built delivery in our instruction. River Safety and Rescue courses may be tailored to various environments, work or trip logistics, and participant groups. Complete the pre-course customization survey here and let us know how we can best cater to your needs.
Who should take a River Safety and Rescue Course?
River Safety and Rescue courses are designed for people who want to grow their knowledge of the river environment, including:
- New Boaters
- Government Workers
- USGS Employees
- Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Employees
- Registered Maine Guides
- Camp Counselors and Participants
- School Outdoor Program Participants
There are no prerequisites for River Safety and Rescue courses.
General Information
Topics Covered
- Preparation
- General Principles of River Hydrology
- How to Identify Hazards
- River Signals and Communication
- Risk Assessment – Hazards and Group Assessment
- Equipment and Clothing
- Introduction to Rescue Strategy and Scene Management
- Review of Hypothermia and Drowning
- Skills
- Self-Rescue
- Swimming
- Wading/Shallow Water Crossing
- Swimming with Equipment
- Rescuing Others
- Throw Bags
- Craft-based Rescues
- Craft Pins
- Rigging
- Knots and Hitches
- Basic Anchors
- Introduction to Mechanical Advantage
- Self-Rescue
- Group Rescue Scenarios
Learning Outcomes
- Gain a deeper understanding of the river environment to proactively prevent river-based accidents
- Be able to identify and avoid river hazards through a basic understanding of hydrology and river features
- Develop fundamental self-rescue techniques
- Practice fast, low-risk strategies for early management of river accidents
Course Expectations
- Course Duration: 4-8 hours depending on the needs and goals of participants
- Participants should be dressed appropriately for weather and water temperature, prepared to be in the water for extended periods of time.
Packing List
If you are missing any of the gear listed below, contact Katahdin Rescue. We can provide gear or point you towards gear rentals if needed.
- PFD: Type 3 or Type 5 (fit properly and in good condition) with whistle and knife
- Helmet: whitewater helmet
- Footwear: hard-soled wetsuit booties or good shoes for walking in the river and on the banks with wool or neoprene socks
- Thermal Protection:
- Drysuit or wetsuit
- Base layers and insulation – wool or synthetic materials (fleece, polyester, neoprene, etc.) to wear with your wetsuit or drysuit
- Hat
- Extra warm clothes
- Snacks, water, and lunch
- Sunscreen
- Optional:
- Neoprene gloves
- Sunglasses or prescription glasses with strap
- Personal rescue gear (optional but it is good to practice with your own gear!)
Inquire about our River Safety and Rescue Courses