
Course
Overview

In an effort to promote swiftwater
and technical rescue throughout the Southeastern United States, we are pleased
to announce the offering a Swiftwater Rescue Technician Unit I (SRT I) course to
any fire & rescue, law enforcement, military, or other emergency provider.
The SRT I course addresses various
aspects of swiftwater and flood emergencies with a focus upon rescuer safety and
team efficiency during these types of emergencies. This course is a physically
intensive, 30-hour class that includes classroom instruction followed by two
days of developing and practicing water survival & rescue skills.
Emphasis of this course is upon self-rescue skills and meets and/or exceeds the
skills taught within N.F.P.A. 1006 Awareness and Operations for swiftwater
rescue. Other topics include an in-depth analysis of hydrology, handling hazards
and obstacles, rescue equipment familiarization, utilizing basic rope systems,
conducting in-water contact rescues, and much more. Information from this course
is applicable to anyone confronted with potential water rescue, as well as, the
possibility of self-rescue.
This is a physically and mentally
challenging course! Those students with phobias of swimming class I & II rapids,
extremely cold water (35o), or extensive
health problems
(heart, trauma, respiratory...) are discouraged from attending this course!
Skills acquired within the course include:
-
rescuing and extricating an accident victim from the water.
-
safely swimming in swiftwater and maneuvering so as to negotiate river
hazards and obstacles at various water levels.
-
handling small inflatable boats by paddle,
or on tether.
-
utilizing climbing and technical rescue gear applicable to swiftwater
rescue.
-
fording shallow and fast-moving water utilizing various techniques.
-
Navigating deep, slow-moving and fast-moving water utilizing basic
climbing gear, small boats, and combinations of the two.
Students receive a course manual, skill sheet, test, certificate of
completion, I.D. card, and patch during
the class.

Class Info
The SRT I is the first of three classes
needed for personnel to meet the requirements for the Technician level NFPA 1670 Standard on Operations and
Training for Technical Rescue Incidents and
the NFPA 1006 Standard for Rescue Technician Professional Qualifications in the
area of water rescue. The class will be delivered in two separate
locations. The lecture will be held at the Swain Campus of Southwestern
Community College. (the college is located about 15 miles from the river
training site)
The river portion will be taught
at the Launch Site for the Nantahala River in Macon Co., NC.

Prerequisites:
-
No extensive medical
condition (heart problems, obesity, back problems...)
-
Adequate swimming ability
-
Must be 18 years old
-
Health Insurance or
Worker's Compensation coverage

Cost:
Due to the
sponsorship of local NC Community Colleges, our Rescue 3 Int. courses are
offered at a reduced rate. The shared costs between the community college and
the student are significantly lower than the Rescue 3 corporate rate.
First Time Students:
$145
Re-certifying Students: $95
Out of State Residents or
Military Responders: $265
Re-certifying Out of State Residents or
Military Responders: $215
Please make checks payable to
Southwestern Community College and mail your payment to:
Trey Smith
3332 Providence Hills Dr.
Matthews, NC 28105
Please contact Instructor Trey Smith for payment details at
e-mail
tsmith@rescuenc.com or 704-507-6152

The Schedule
|
Day 1 |
1300-2200 |
Southwestern
Comm. College Swain Campus |
Lecture |
|
Day 2 |
0800-1800 |
Nantahala River |
Swimming/ Survival Skills |
|
Day 3 |
0800-1800 |
Nantahala River |
Rescue Skills |

Equipment
Students will need to bring them to class:
-
An approved USCG Type V personal flotation device (PFD)
-
A rock climbing or water rescue vented helmet
-
Drysuits or wetsuits (5mm or thicker) are encouraged.
-
Synthetic Undergarment (Polypropylene)
-
Neoprene gloves for thermal protection
-
River
boots with neoprene protection are suggested.
"No surfer shoes"
-
Snacks, Lunch, & water during class
-
Clothing suitable for the diverse
mountainous climate
Guidelines for Wetsuits: We suggest a 5 or 7 mm thick wetsuit. You can
most wetsuits from local dive shops for a reasonable rate.

Lodging:
Students are encouraged to obtain lodging in the Bryson City, NC area.
Lodging for the course will be not be provided.
Students will need to provide their own lodging in the Bryson City, NC region.
View Swain County Rescue 3 Course Maps in a larger map
Click on the links to find out more:
See area places to stay

Meals:
Meals, snacks, and travel are at the
expense of each student. There will be breaks for meals throughout the course.

Directions:
Directions to
Southwestern Community College
(Swain Center)
60 Almond School Road | Bryson
City, NC 28713 | 828.488.6413 | Fax 828.488.2982
Directions:
Located 5 ½ miles west of Bryson City on Highway 74 in the
Luada Community, the Swain Center occupies the old Almond School. This charming
old school building houses the Institute of Heritage Arts, the Small Business
and Business and Industry Center, Sali Conference Center, the Outdoor Leadership
program, computer labs, general classrooms and an ITV classroom.
View
Swain County Rescue 3 Course Maps in a larger map
River training site
is located at the Nantahala River Commercial Launch site at the intersection of
U.S. 74/19 & Wayah Rd. in Macon County. Just west of the Patton’s Run overlook
in Topton, NC.

Questions???
Contact Instructor
Trey Smith at tsmith@rescuenc.com if
you have any questions. Or you can reach him at 704-507-6152.
Instructor Contact Info