ACA Swiftwater Rescue Workshop

Build the skills to identify hazards, prevent accidents, and respond effectively when things go wrong on the river.

Taught by seasoned ACA Swiftwater Rescue Instructor Carson Byrne, this two-day course is designed to help paddlers and river users keep themselves—and their buddies—out of danger.

Whether you’re newer to whitewater, looking to solidify core rescue skills, or an experienced boater wanting a thorough refresher, this course focuses on the most practical and immediately applicable techniques used in real-world river rescue scenarios. Emphasis is placed on prevention, personal safety, simple and effective rescues, and group-based decision making. Advanced rope systems (such as Z-drags and other mechanical advantage systems) may be introduced if time allows, but the primary focus will remain on fast, low-risk strategies that are most commonly used in swiftwater rescue situations.

Course Overview

This ACA Swiftwater Rescue course covers a progression of Level 2–3 skills, with selected Level 4 concepts introduced as appropriate based on class experience and available time. Instruction begins with land-based sessions and transitions to on-water practice at a single location, with no downriver travel. Participants will work through realistic rescue scenarios to practice skills individually and as part of a team.

Key topics include:

• River hydrology and hazard recognition (strainers, pins, foot entrapments, and more)

• Proactive risk management and accident prevention

• Self-rescue techniques and swimmer management

• Safe and effective use of throw ropes

• Recovering swimmers, loose boats, and equipment

• Rescue PFD use, strengths, and limitations

• Scene management and group communication during rescue situations

• Introduction to more complex rope systems and mechanical advantage (time permitting)

Course Objectives

• Build confidence in essential swiftwater rescue skills

• Emphasize prevention and early intervention to reduce risk

• Develop practical, low-risk rescue strategies for common river incidents

• Improve decision-making and teamwork in rescue scenarios

• Gain experience managing rescue scenes within a paddling group

Prerequisites:

• All paddle craft are welcome*

• Boaters should be comfortable maneuvering their craft in Class I–III rapids

• Previous swiftwater rescue experience is helpful but not required

• Participants should be in good physical condition, strong swimmers, and comfortable swimming in moving water

• Expect extended time in the water; dress appropriately for weather and river temperatures

  * Rafts may not be needed for this course, and large gear boats are not suitable. Small paddle rafts or catarafts may be appropriate depending on the group and objectives. Please check in with your instructor if you want to bring a raft. 

About the instructor:

Carson Byrne has been teaching whitewater kayaking, canoeing, rafting, and swiftwater rescue for the past 10 years and loves sharing her passion and stoke for the river! She has gotten to paddle and instruct all across the US and around the world from Chile to Uganda to India. When she isn’t out on the river she loves to play in the mountains with her husband James and her dog Greg.