Open Water Rescuer - Basic

Hours: 24

Designed For: Recue\Firefighting

Description: This course provides detailed information, and the skills training required, to improve

an individual’s level of comfort and confidence for safely and proficiently performing

contact rescues in static and surf water conditions. Safety is strongly emphasized

throughout the class. Risk management is reinforced during every skill to establish your

level of comfort in the water and to identify and overcome your limitations. The

emphasis on risk management helps you determine if your actions meet your agencies

SOPS/SOGS in the determination of a rescue being a “offensive” or “defensive”

operation. Swimming, stroke technique and body positioning in the water are covered.

“In water” skills for students include how to read and understand water flow, reading

and understanding surf, contact rescues using rescue buoy devices and boards, dealing

with combatant victims, performing self-rescues, and rescues of multiple victims both

conscious and unconscious. The entire course meets the requirements of swimming

contact rescue of NFPA 1670 and NFPA 1006 Chapter 11, sections 11.2, Chapter 15,

sections 15.2.

Prerequisites: It is recommended that the AHJ devise or adopt a minimum swim capability standard

based on the response area needs. A realistic evaluation of the rescuer’s water survival

skills should be conducted by the AHJ to meet this requirement. It is recommended that

the AHJ use an annual swim test standard that meets or exceeds the International

Association of Dive Rescue Specialists (IADRS) Annual Watermanship Test.

Certification: SFT Certificate

Class Size: 32 participants maximum, 8:1 student/Instructor ratio

Restrictions: This course requires appropriate fitness and ability to complete the AHJ swim standard

or the recommended NFPA, IARDS Watermanship swim test.