Swiftwater rescue
Whitewater safety and rescue courses progressively develop the knowledge and techniques required to prevent incidents, ensure personal safety, and assist people in distress in whitewater environments.
The program was developed by the Consortium Sécurité en Rivière Québec, a partnership between the Lifesaving Society, Canot Kayak Québec, and Eau Vive Québec. Instructors and whitewater specialists contributed to the development of the courses to ensure that the content reflects the realities of activities and rescue operations in this type of environment.
The training pathway consists of three progressive levels, ranging from basic techniques to the management of complex rescue operations. An online theory component complements the practical training conducted in whitewater.
This course provides an introduction to whitewater safety and rescue. Participants develop basic skills in prevention, safe practices, self-rescue, and simple rescue techniques.
Participants learn how to assess risks, use their equipment properly, and apply various indirect rescue techniques while developing safe behaviours suited to whitewater activities.
Who Is This Course For?
This course is intended for recreational paddlers, participants in whitewater sports and activities, and individuals involved in supervising these activities.
It primarily prepares participants to respond from shore or in environments with a relatively low level of risk.
Duration
16 hours of in-person training;
Online theory training.
Prerequisite
None.
Certification Validity
3 years.
The second level further develops the skills required to respond directly in whitewater and participate in rescue operations in more complex environments.
The course covers advanced self-rescue, rescuing teammates, responding to one or more people in distress, direct and indirect contact rescue techniques, knots, anchors, and mechanical advantage systems.
Through various practical scenarios, participants also develop their skills in risk assessment, decision-making, and rescue operation management.
Who Is This Course For?
This course is primarily intended for guides, trip leaders, instructors, paddlers, workers, and other professionals who may be required to respond in whitewater, particularly in environments presenting low to moderate risks.
Duration
16 hours of in-person training;
Online theory training.
Prerequisites
Be able to swim;
Hold the Level 1 certification.
Certification Validity
3 years.
The third level focuses on managing complex whitewater rescue operations. It further develops the technical skills acquired in the previous levels while building the skills required to plan, coordinate, and manage a rescue operation.
Participants further develop advanced self-rescue and rescue techniques, responses involving multiple people, direct contact techniques, anchoring and mechanical advantage systems, as well as risk management and rescue operation coordination.
The course is based on three main stages of a rescue operation: reach, extract, and evacuate.
Who Is This Course For?
This course is primarily intended for advanced guides and expedition leaders, specialized whitewater rescue workers, instructors, and professionals who may be required to respond in complex environments or in areas far from emergency services.
The Consortium Sécurité en Rivière Québec
The Consortium Sécurité en Rivière Québec was created through a collaboration between the Lifesaving Society, Canot Kayak Québec, and Eau Vive Québec to bring together their expertise in whitewater safety and rescue.
It brings together instructors, specialists, and experienced members of the whitewater community to develop and maintain training adapted to the realities of whitewater environments, harmonize practices, and promote safer rescue operations.