Overview
This is for you if: You are a current ACA rescue instructor and need to complete your 4-year Update requirement.
Current ACA L2-L4 Rescue instructors can update their certification by attending either a scheduled update (L2-5) or the final two days of the IDW (L2-5) of an instructor course. This meets the ACA requirement to participate in an update every 4 years in order to maintain certification (ACA guidelines can be found here). Led by L5 Swiftwater Rescue IT Scott Fisher, the focus is on reviewing, sharing and building upon rescue, safety and teaching skills. Instructors should be prepared to teach any portion of the rescue curriculum at their level of certification. Upon successful completion instructors receive update credit good for 4 years. Don't see a date that works for you? We can also do updates by request.
Course dates/times for 2024 are:
- L3-5 Update: Apr 6-7, 2024 (2 days)
Highlights
Highlights:
- 2 days of collaborative swiftwater rescue instructor training
- A supportive environment to learn and grow
- Update requirement completion good for 4 years
Location
USA Raft & Lower Nolichucky River
What to Expect
- Review, polish and expand upon fundamental rescue skills
- Review, polish and share teaching skills and approaches
- Assess instructor skills
- Review and update ACA organization and administration
- Update award good for 4 years upon successful completion
Prerequisites
- Age 18+
- Current certification as an ACA L2-5 rescue instructor
- Solid class 1, 2 or 3 kayaking skills for L2, L3 and L4/5 instructors, respectively
- Good overall health and fitness
- Ability to self-rescue from an overturned craft
- Comfortable swimming in moving water
- Current certification in CPR and first aid; to see upcoming CPR and wilderness medicine classes click here
- ACA Course participants need to be current ACA and SEIC dues paying members
- Full eligibility requirements and prerequisites can be found here
Includes
- 2-Day Update
- Pre-Update resources
- Shuttle transportation as needed
What to Bring
Whitewater paddle craft and accessories as appropriate (e.g., sprayskirt, flotation bags, SUP leash, etc), helmet (must be specifically rated for whitewater), type V rescue vest PFD, 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), paddle, two 12-20' lengths of 1-inch tubular nylon webbing, two 6-8' pieces of 5-6 millimeter nylon prusik cord, two oval-, pear- or “D”-shaped locking carabiners, paper and pen to take note, food, snacks, water, closed-toe water shoes, river clothes suitable for the conditions (e.g., fleece or polypro 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), camp chair.
Meeting Location
We will meet at USA Raft. Directions can be found here. Specific meeting location will be sent out separately.
Additional Information
Food and lodging are the responsibility of participants. Riverside lodging and camping is available onsite and can be reserved directly with either USA Raft or Nolichucky Gorge Campground.
Testimonials
"Scott Fisher and Robin Pope are, hands down, the best outdoor instructors I’ve ever had. From start to finish, NOLI’s process is professional, thoughtful and thorough, and the curriculum and teaching methods have been carefully developed through decades of experience. And it doesn’t hurt that the Nolichucky River is a spectacular setting in which to learn. I drove 9.5 hours each way to come take the swiftwater rescue instructor course with NOLI, and I’m glad I did. I simply cannot overstate how impressed I am with the whole experience. I’d give it 6 stars if I could. Thank you, Scott and Robin, I will definitely be back."
~ Eric C.