Maine is home to more than 30,000 miles of river, many of which are very remote. When working or recreating on and around Maine’s rivers, understanding how to stay safe in a river environment is essential. Katahdin Rescue offers three levels of river safety courses that follow both Sierra Rescue and American Canoe Association (ACA) curricula.
Course Offerings
River Safety and Rescue
Introduction to basic river safety, hydrology and identification of hazards, and self and companion rescue techniques. This course is a must for anyone working on or around Maine’s rivers, including school groups, summer camp counselors, scientists, and more. River Safety and Rescue courses follow both Sierra Rescue and ACA curricula: Sierra Rescue River Safety and Rescue and ACA Level 2/3: River Safety and Rescue.
Swiftwater Rescue
This course is for river runners. Can be customized for participant activity, including canoeing, kayaking, and rafting. This course is perfect for river guides, camp counselors, and educators who work on rivers, and school outing clubs with canoe and kayak programs. Participants in a swiftwater rescue course are required to have a basic understanding of reading water and maneuvering through rivers. This course follows both Sierra Rescue and ACA curricula: Sierra Rescue River Rescue and ACA Level 4: Swiftwater Rescue.
Advanced Swiftwater Rescue
This course is for experienced river runners. Course prerequisites include at least one previous swiftwater rescue course. This course is perfect for trip leaders and anyone looking to improve and expand their rescue techniques. Course curriculum follows Sierra Rescue River Rescue – Pro and ACA Level 5: Advanced Swiftwater Rescue. Sierra Rescue River Rescue – Pro certifications are recognized internationally.
Find out how Katahdin Rescue can cater River Safety & Swiftwater Rescue courses to meet your needs.
Fill out our pre-course customization survey.