Essential Eligibility Criteria

Course participants must:

• Be at least 18 years of age
• Be able to follow verbal instructions and hand/whistle signals
• Sign a waiver.

I can accommodate youth, visual/audial considerations, and other unique circumstances—contact me ahead of time so that we can make a plan!

Packraft Safety & Rescue

Safety and boat control training involves wading and swimming in swiftwater, paddling, and intentional or accidental capsizing. You should not participate if you have injuries that limit your ability to paddle, wade, swim, or walk along a rough shoreline. Cold water immersion can also trigger asthma and other respiratory distress.

You must be able to: 

• Hold your breath underwater, then independently turn to a faceup position and keep your head above water.
• Tread water and swim to shore in swiftwater.
• Walk on slippery and loose rocks on shore and in swiftwater.
• Understand and follow directions: Voice commands, hand and paddle signals, and whistle signals.
• Manage your personal care and mobility during 8 hours in and out of cold water.

LAST River Rescue Training

This rescue training involves wading and swimming in swiftwater, paddling, and intentional or accidental capsizing. You should not participate if you have injuries that limit your ability to paddle, wade, swim, or walk along a rough shoreline. Cold water immersion can also trigger asthma and other respiratory distress.

Pre-requisites:

• Able to navigate rapids rated Class III or higher with good boat control.
• Swiftwater Rescue Training, Packraft Safety & Rescue training, equivalent courses, or equivalent experience.
• Packrafters must have properly outfitted boats and be able to perform a wet re-entry.
• Kayakers must have floatation bags and a reliable combat roll.

You must be able to: 

• Hold your breath underwater, then independently turn to a faceup position and keep your head above water.
• Tread water and swim to shore in swiftwater.
• Walk on slippery and loose rocks on shore and in swiftwater.
• Understand and follow directions: Voice commands, hand and paddle signals, and whistle signals.
• Manage your personal care and mobility during 8 hours in and out of cold water.

Ice Rescue Training

Ice Rescue Training involves cold water immersion—you should not participate if you have a history of heart disease or arrhythmia. Cold water immersion can also trigger asthma and other respiratory distress.

You must be able to: 

• Hold your breath underwater, then independently turn to a faceup position and keep your head above water.
• Tread water and swim to the ice's edeg.
• Walk on slippery ice.
• Crawl on hands and knees.
• Climb onto the ice shelf from the water (similar to climbing out of a swimming pool without a ladder).
• Understand and follow directions: Voice commands, hand and paddle signals, and whistle signals.
• Manage your personal warmth, care, and mobility during 3 hours in and out of cold water in Alaska's winter.