Swift Water/Flood Rescue - Technician

State Preparedness Training Center

Training Announcement:

Course DescriptionThis 32-hour technician course focuses on specialized rescue techniques in a variety of swiftwater situations and is recommended for anyone who may be called upon to affect a water rescue. This course is physically demanding, students should be in good physical condition, have no medical restrictions, and must be proficient swimmers. It is best to start preparing for the course by swimming a couple times a week for a month. Students must be able to successfully pass practical skills throughout the training and pass a final written exam. Students must successfully complete the swimming evaluation on the first day of class to continue in the training. Students who are unable to successfully complete the swimming evaluation are prohibited from participating any further, and therefore will be unable to complete the training.

You will be swimming in cold moving water, dress appropriately for the weather. The swift-water environment is inherently dangerous, risk to participants in this training cannot be totally controlled. Instructors will do everything they can to provide safe training. However, your personal safety is first and foremost your responsibility, you must pay attention and follow instructions carefully.

Topics include fundamentals of survival in moving water, rescue swimming techniques, urban flood rescue, search and recovery operations, rope rescue applications for swiftwater, and river search techniques. This course teaches basic rafting guide paddle strokes, recognition and avoidance of river hazards, paddle commands, ferrying, eddy hopping and raft recovery upon capsizing. This course meets two NFPA standards (1006/1670) for Swift Water Rescue for Operations and Technician (levels 1 and 2), as well as the NIMS typing for Swift/Flood Rescue Technician.

The swim test is a minimum of 250 yards using the four basic strokes: Back, crawl, breast, side stroke, and treading water for 5 minutes.

For more information, contact the SPTC— Phone: 315-768-5689 • Email: SPTC.INFO@dhses.ny.gov • Web: www.dhses.ny.gov/sptc

Course ProviderThis course is being taught by a team of instructors from the New York State Office of Fire Prevention and Control.

LocationSwift Water Training Facility State Preparedness Training Center5900 Airport Road, Oriskany, NY 13424

CostThere is NO FEE for this course. Lunch will be provided. Travel and all other meals are the responsibility of the course participant.

Time

AudienceThe target audience for this course includes first responders. Students must be affiliated with an emergency responder organization. Students must also be a U.S. citizen or have prior approval. The New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services reserves the right to determine eligibility for this course.

Registration ProcessAll student registrations will be reviewed by the SPTC. Registration does not guarantee a seat in the class. If you are accepted into this course, you will receive a confirmation email from the Center.You are required to bring a completed Training Authorization Form with you to the course. The Training Authorization Form can be found at:http://www.dhses.ny.gov/ofpc/documents/authorization.pdf

To register for this course, access the SPTC’s Training Calendar online: http://www.dhses.ny.gov//training/calendar/?agency=SPTC

Please be sure to select the proper course and date when registering.

No Show PolicyFailure to attend a class you have registered for can result in restriction on future course attendance and agency notification. If you have not received a confirmation or denial two weeks prior to the course date, please contact DHSES, SPTC at (315) 768-5689 or SPTC.INFO@dhses.ny.gov

LodgingLodging for public sector personnel will be provided on the nights of:

You are eligible for lodging if your residence and official work station are more than 50 miles from the SPTC and you are public sector personnel. Lodging is not available for federal employees or private industry participants. You must be enrolled in the course and have received lodging confirmation from the SPTC before arriving at the Center, or your lodging will not be covered and you will not be allowed in the class. If you have any questions, please contact the SPTC at 315-768-5689 or SPTC.INFO@dhses.ny.gov