Training Locations:

Gaston Fire|EMS|Rescue

210 Old Emporia Rd, Gaston, NC 27832

Roanoke River / Roanoke Rapids Lake

The North Carolina Technical Rescuer Water Rescue series is comprised of four modules offered over a two-weekend series that enables the student to obtain the requirements needed to obtain full IFSAC certification for water rescue. (in addition to fulfilling the requirements for TR General and Rope Rescue). Completion of the TR General & TR Rope techncian is not required for attendance but strongly recommended as certification will not bawarded to the student until all requirements for TR Water rescue are fulfilled.

The OSFM TR Water Rescue series is a 44-hour series specifically designed to fulfill the NFPA 1006 MINIMUM Job performance requirements (JPR’s) for those agencies who have the responsibility of surface and swiftwater rescue responses.

This a general knowledge course with minimum skill performance. It is considered a general overview of all water rescue problems and does not provide enough practical time in swiftwater environments to be proficient for swiftwater rescue teams. It is strongly recommended Swiftwater Rescue Teams obtain additional training..

Upon successful completion of a skills assessment swim test, students will receive training in areas that include:

• Rescue Operations
• Equipment needs
• Site surveys
• Preplanning
• Rescue techniques
• Rescue Swimming
• Self Survival Techniques
• Air & Ground Transportation
• Boat-Based Rescues
• Water Rescue Craft Operations
• Strong Swimmer Rescues
• Managing Search Operations

This is a physically and mentally challenging course! Those students with phobias of swimming class I & II rapids, extremely cold water, or extensive health problems (heart, trauma, respiratory…) are discouraged from attending this course!

The Water Technical Rescuer candidate shall correctly demonstrate the ability to assume a correct swimming posture and swim for 100 yards and tread water for ten minutes in an aquatic environment both without and with floatation devices. This exerciseis a two-part exercise that demonstrates a candidate’s ability to swim and maintain their safety without the aid of any devices as well as demonstrate the difference in swimming with a device. Successful completion of these skills is necessary to complete this class.

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.

PROCURE & TRY ON YOUR EQUIPMENT PRIOR TO COMING TO CLASS!!!!

Nothing is more miserable than having the wrong equipment or gear that doesn’t fit so make sure your PFD is snug, helmet fits comfortably, wetsuits are snug but not too restricting to breath. Drysuits should be somewhat loose and polypropylene should be warm to wear. The water temperature and ambient air temps fluctuate throughout this time of the season so …dress in layers! NO COTTON!!!!

You will need the following

• An approved USCG Type III or Type V personal flotation device (PFD)
• A rock climbing or water rescue vented helmet.
• Mask & Snorkel that will fit with your helmet. (Optional)
• Drysuits or wetsuits (5 or 7mm or thicker) are encouraged.
  (Shorty or Farmer John, or Full Body)
• Synthetic Undergarment (Polypropylene or under-armor style Spandex material)
• Neoprene gloves for thermal protection
• River boots with neoprene protection are suggested or wool socks with old tennis shoes. “No Walmart surfer shoes”
• Snacks, Lunch, & water during class
• Clothing suitable for the diverse climate
• Change of clothes
• Swim trunks must have a drawstring…(No one wants to see your junk!!! The rapids are powerful and will take swim suits and loos footwear off!

In preparing for the class, the river temperatures are very cold (35^o-40^oF) but air temps fluctuate this time of year so you will need thermal protection (wetsuit or drysuit) A full wetsuit works great too no greater than 5mm thick. The rocks on the river can create some “external & internal” damage so here is some helpful hints regarding PPE…A wetsuit (shorty or farmer john style) is preferred. They usually run about $30+ at sporting good stores since the summer watersports season is almost over they may be marked down.

Meals:
Student will need to provide their own meals throughout the course. During Week #2, lunch will be in the parking lot of the river or lake so a bag lunch will be in order.

Transportation:
Due to the remote and sometimes distance of training sites, it is encouraged student consider carpooling to lake and river sites. Locations for water access are limited throughout the state. In order to provide a realistic and challenging training experience, it is necessary to travel to rivers or lakes up to 2 hours away in order to mimic the conditions one would encounter during flooding or surface water incidents.

Attendance:
Students must attend 90% of the class in order to receive credit.

Class Delivery:
Due to the complex logistical demands of this course, this course is delivered as one series, therefore, the written exam is delivered as one test rather than separately.