Swiftwater demands preparation, awareness, and smart decision-making. Paddle Pals Outdoor Adventures offers hands-on swiftwater rescue training for paddlers who want the skills and confidence to operate safely in moving water.

Our courses focus on real-world river scenarios, modern rescue techniques, and efficient methods that work with minimal equipment. Training takes place in live river environments so skills are practical, realistic, and immediately usable.

Self-rescue and swimmer management

Rescue decision-making in dynamic water

Rope systems & basic mechanical advantage

Team communication during rescues

Scenario-based river rescue skills

Instruction is led by ACA-certified instructors with extensive river experience.

This course meets and exceeds ACA Level 4 Swiftwater Rescue expectations while remaining paddler-focused and practical.

Whitewater kayakers & canoeists

River guides & instructors

Safety-minded paddlers with moving-water experience

Course Format

Live river training

Small group instruction

Hands-on, scenario-based learning

Prerequisite: Comfort paddling in moving water

Increased confidence operating in swiftwater environments

Practical rescue skills tested in real scenarios

Better judgment when to act—and when not to

Stronger communication and teamwork on the river

Skills that translate directly to guiding, instruction, and expedition paddling

This course is not about heroics. It’s about smart, efficient, and safe rescue decisions.

Swiftwater Rescue Training Dates:

⚫️ 5-21, 5-23, 5-24

⚫️ 7-30, 8-01, 8-02

⚫️ 8-19, 8-22, 8-23