What every student needs to know.

Schedule

The first day is classroom from 0730 to 1500 at the SBFD Central Station. This is followed by a pool session. Students will be required to swim 250 yards wearing a personal flotation device and then they will be instructed in various water rescue techniques. Day two will begin with a walking tour of the East Race and learning sessions on ropes, knots, rope systems and boat handling. Days three and four will be at the St. Joseph river and East Race Waterway. Rescue scenarios will take place on the afternoon of day four. A written and practical examination will take place on the fifth day. To successfully complete this school, students must participate in all evolutions of the training, pass the written exam with a 75% or higher score and perform the final practical evolutions.

After successful completion of the course, students will receive a certification in both Swiftwater Rescue and Zodiac Boat Operations.

Prerequisites

  • Students should be in good physical condition.
  • Students should also be comfortable in and around swift moving water.
  • Students should plan on spending some evenings studying the manual and other practical knowledge.

Gear

Because each student will be fully involved in a variety of simulated rescue situations, the following list of gear is required by all:

  • Footwear for river. Tennis shoes with wool socks are best. Scuba boots with tennis shoe soles are OK. NO sandals, Crocs, open toe footwear or aqua shoes.
  • Swimsuit.
  • Outdoor wear for either hot or cold temps.
  • Rain gear. Classes are held rain or shine.
  • Gloves are recommended, NOT provided.
  • Wetsuit is also recommended, NOT provided.
  • PFD & helmet ARE provided.

Classes Start:

0730 on Monday

Where:

South Bend Central Fire Station
1222 S. Michigan St.
South Bend, IN 46601

Fees:

  • Awareness Level $350.00
  • Operations Level $350.00
  • Technitian Level $450.00

(Classes must be paid in full by March 1st or your spot goes to someone else.)

Note:

Enrollment is limited to 28 students per school.

A light lunch is provided Monday thru Thursday on site.

Students are responsible for purchasing their own copy of the student manual:Swiftwater Rescue by Slim Ray

Swiftwater Rescue by Slim Ray

ISBN# 0-9649585-0-3

LCCN# 96-84128

Students are responsible to secured their own lodging, however, we recommend these two hotels that are within a short distance:

Signature Inn By Jameson

215 S Dixie Way
South Bend, IN 46637

Phone: 574-277-3211

Website: http://www.jamesoninns.com

Residence Inn By Marriott

716 N Niles Ave
South Bend, IN 46617

Phone: 1-574-289-5555

Website: http://marriott.com/hotels/travel/sbnri-residence-inn-south-bend/