(423) 641-0100

Overview

This course is for you if:  You want to be trained and certified as a Level 4 or Level 5 Swiftwater Rescue Instructor.

Do you want to learn how to teach others to be safer on moving water (all classes of difficulty) while also becoming better prepared to lead a rescue when things don't go as planned? The ACA Swiftwater Rescue Instructor Course (Levels 4/5), led by ACA L5 Swiftwater Rescue IT Scott Fisher, will help you get there by training you how to teach recognition and avoidance of common river hazards, execution of self-rescue techniques, and rescue techniques for individuals in distress. Emphasis is placed both on personal safety and on simple, commonly used skills. More advanced techniques for dealing with hazards that carry greater risks for both victim and rescuer, such as strainers, rescue vest applications, entrapments, and pins, also are practiced. Scenarios and scenario management will provide an opportunity for participants to practice their skills both individually and within a team/group context.  Instructor classes review and polish fundamental paddling and rescue skills for instructor candidates, as well as present methods to teach and improve skills.  Instructor candidates receive instruction and feedback on teaching methods, rescue skills, group management, paddling skills, and risk management principles. This course is aimed at anyone who plays a leadership or safety role on moving water, whether formally or informally, and who wants to help others learn to be safer by becoming a Level 4 (Basic Swiftwater Rescue) or Level 5 (Advanced Swiftwater Rescue) Instructor. Fundamentally, we expect that participants will have the paddling skills, technical knowledge, rescue ability, teaching ability, group management, risk management and interpersonal skills required to be certified at these levels.

The course is 6 days (50+ hours) in length in a combined ICE/IDW format spread over two weekends.  The dates shown during booking reflect the first weekend only and participation in both weekends is required for successful completion. Dates for 2024 are:

  • Apr 5-7 (IDW) & Apr 19-21 (ICE) - must attend both weekends (6 days)
  • Class times are 8:30am-6pm each day
The IDW, or Instructor Development Workshop, is held during the first weekend and will focus on teaching principles, risk management, rescue and paddling skills, class management, equipment, water hazards and hydrology, and scene management.  The ICE, or Instructor Certification Exam, is held during the second weekend and will evaluate candidates' knowledge and ability to teach these skills while simultaneously managing group dynamics and safety.  Candidates should expect lots of feedback and should be willing to try new techniques and approaches.  To receive certification candidates will be evaluated on their rescue, paddling, teaching, and group management skills.  Each of these areas is important – rescue skills are critical but they’re only part of the overall picture.  More details on the ACA certification process can be found here.  Specific eligibility criteria and performance requirements for Level 4 Swiftwater Rescue Instructor certification can be found here. Eligibility criteria and performance requirements for Level 5 Advanced Swiftwater Rescue Instructor certification can be found here.  

At the end of the course participants may be certified as a rescue instructor at level 4, level 5, a lower level (levels 1-3), or not certified.  All candidates will receive written feedback on areas for improvement and, if they don’t receive the certification level they’re looking for, clear guidance on needed next steps for certification. Certification is valid for four years and maintained through class reporting and participation in periodic updates.

This course can be used as an update for current L4/5 rescue instructors by attending the second two days of the IDW. This meets the ACA requirement to participate in an update every 4 years in order to maintain certification (ACA guidelines can be found here). Instructors should be prepared to teach any portion of the swiftwater rescue curriculum at their level of certification. Upon successful completion instructors receive update credit good for 4 years. To schedule contact us at info@nolilearn.org or 423-641-0100.

This course can also be used for an instructor upgrade for current ACA certified L2/3/4 rescue instructors looking to upgrade to L4 or L5 certification by participating in the ICE portion of the class (3 days). Instructors seeking such an upgrade must meet all L4 or L5 performance criteria to be certified at the desired level. Cost is $300 for those seeking upgrade to L3 and $400 for those seeking L4/5. Instructors seeking to upgrade are also welcome to attend the IDW as well to get more exposure to and practice with the skills at their desired levels of certification prior evaluation during the ICE. To schedule contact us at info@nolilearn.org or 423-641-0100.

Highlights

Highlights:

  • 6 days of professionally-led instructor training 
  • Preparing and coaching candidates to succeed 
  • A supportive environment to learn and perform
  • An evaluation process that is clearly communicated and fairly assessed 

Location

USA Raft & Lower Nolichucky River

What to Expect

  • Review of learning and teaching theory
  • Review and polish fundamental rescue skills
  • Learn how to perform, model and teach basic and advanced rescue techniques
  • Learn and teach about rescue equipment, risk management and hyrdology
  • Instruction and guidance on how to meet all ACA L4/5 swiftwater rescue instructor requirements
  • Review of ACA organization, administration and history
  • Evaluation of candidate performance during the ICE
  • Certify instructor candidates meeting performance criteria up to level 5 instructors

Prerequisites

  • Age 18+
  • Completion of an ACA L4 Swiftwater Rescue Course
  • Solid class 3 or greater paddling skills in craft of choice
  • 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 is encouraged but not required (once certified, however, instructors are required to be current in CPR/first aid prior to teaching an ACA-sanctioned course; plus, it's just a good idea); to see upcoming CPR and wilderness medicine classes click here
  • ACA Course participants need to be ACA members and can join here; upon becoming certified as an ACA Instructor, there is an additional Safety Education & Instruction Council (SEIC) dues payment annually
  • Full eligibility requirements and prerequisites can be found here
  • Not sure if you meet the pre-requisites for this course? Contact us at info@nolilearn.org or by phone at 423-641-0100 and we'll be glad to discuss it with you

Includes

  • 3-day IDW
  • 3- day ICE
  • 1- hour livestream prior to the ICE to answer questions and cover additional information
  • Pre-course resources to help candidates prepare 
  • Ongoing support throughout

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 (hollow block is also acceptable), four oval-, pear- or “D”-shaped locking carabiners, paper and pen to take notes, 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 prior to the IDW.

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.