Boat-Based Rescue

  • Learn how to use your boat to assist swimmers, protect yourself, and collect gear.

    This class is an optional supplement to a regular Swiftwater Rescue Class. Anyone who signs up for that class will get a significant discount on this class but anyone can take this class even if you’ve taken a full rescue class elsewhere. You can also purchase a Swiftwater Rescue and Boat-Based Rescue bundle at a discounted rate of $435.

    There are two varieties of this class: a kayak/packraft version for small craft and a rafters version for large boats. Please be sure to sign up for the appropriate class.

    Times: 5:30pm - sunset

    Location: Most likely the Golden Whitewater Park or the South Platte in Englewood contingent on water levels. Instructor will contact you a couple days before the class to confirm.

    Cost: $150 per person

  • You need to be comfortable with your own skills before you can try to assist others. All students must feel comfortable performing difficult maneuvers in their craft of choice in class 2+ whitewater.

    This course is also designed to be taken with a 2-day swiftwater rescue skills class. If you’re interested in taking both, click here to book both for $435. You can do either class in either order.

    • Assisting swimmers

    • Pushing boats

    • Tether systems

    • Unconscious boater rescue (hand of god)

    • Partner rescues (“T” or “Bow” rescues)

    • Wet re-entries

    • Assisting a swimmer into a raft

    • Climbing into a raft without assistance

    • Righting rafts with flip lines in deep water

    • Righting rafts on shore with ropes

A person in an orange jacket and helmet is rescuing a yellow inflatable boat caught on rocks in a river, while another person in a kayak watches nearby.
Two kayakers in a river attempt to right a capsized kayak with one participant holding the kayak while the other is underwater with a red helmet.