2023 Courses of Instruction

SWIFTWATER RESCUE II

Not offered in 2023

Prerequisite: The student must have successfully completed a basic boat operation course or have a signed waiver from their department head certifying that he/she is an experienced boat operator and has the boat operation skills necessary to operate a boat in extremely dangerous swiftwater conditions.  Agencies are reminded that anyone born after January 1, 1984, is required to have completed a boating safety course to operate a boat on Missouri's lakes.  The student must have successfully passed a Dive Rescue International Swiftwater Rescue I Class.  The student must furnish his/her own Swiftwater rescue gear.  This gear includes a wet or dry suit, a swiftwater-rated personal floatation device, a swiftwater-rated helmet, dive fins, water gloves, wet boots with good soles, strobe light, flashlight and two throw bags.  The student is required to fill out a medical waiver and if necessary get a physician's release to attend this course.  The student is required to be able to tie the rescue knots used in the Swiftwater Rescue I class.  The student must also be able to jump into water from a height of 10 to 15 feet and be able to enter fast-moving water.

Course Description: This course is designed to teach students the skills necessary to rescue persons in swiftwater conditions.  This physically demanding program is designed to improve your personal readiness to respond to Swiftwater emergency situations.  All students are required to have basic Swiftwater Rescue skills including excellent swimming skills, operational experience using high-lines, mechanical advantage systems, rigging and a working knowledge of knots.  All students should be prepared for multiple challenging in-water scenarios.  Specific and detailed information will be provided regarding searching by using coordinated land and water based teams.  This training includes night time training, to include boat operation drills and night time self rescue drills.  The student will receive Swiftwater Rescue II certification through Dive Rescue International at the completion of this course.

Who Should Attend:  Officers/emergency personnel who are involved in swiftwater rescues during flooding events and who want to increase their Swiftwater Rescue skills.  This course also meets the requirement to prepare a prospective student in becoming an instructor and attending a Swiftwater Rescue Trainer course.

Who Should Attend: Officers performing enforcement activities.

Course cancellation policy:  This course may be cancelled if the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers does not have enough water to maintain an adequate flow of water so that we can conduct the training.  Students enrolled in this course will be given preference to attend the course when it is rescheduled.

Tuition/Registration FeesRegistration fees are due 7 days prior to the start of the class.  If fees are not paid in full, the student will not be allowed to attend the course.  Forty-eight (48) hours notice of cancellation is required for full tuition refund.  Exceptions to the refund policy will be made at the discretion of the Director of Training.

Cost:

  • $400 for the student packet and certification through Dive Rescue International.  Meals and lodging are at the expense of the student/agency.  Equipment is provided by the student/agency.

Continuing Education Hours:

  • 38 hours Technical and Skill Development

Mineral Area College Credit:

  • None
Coordinator:
  • Sergeant David Echternacht
  • 573-751-9942 or david.echternacht@mshp.dps.mo.gov
Coordinator:
  • TNDmail@mshp.dps.mo.gov
  • 573-526-6174

Application For Training