WATER RESCUE TRAINING SAVES LIVES
 Commission courses train emergency
responders in the most current techniques of swiftwater and ice rescue. This training
is for anyone who responds to water emergencies. The minimum age for attending is 18.
All courses are taught by Commission-certified instructors. Certification is awarded
on successful completion of courses.
WATER RESCUE & EMERGENCY RESPONSE
This 16-hour course includes many valuable swiftwater rescue techniques.
The course provides the base on which all other PA Fish & Boat Commission courses are built.
Using both classroom and practical hands-on training, Water Rescue & Emergency Response covers planning,
medical considerations, rescue equipment, self-rescue and shore-based rescue techniques. This course meets or exceeds
NFPA 1670 operator level guidelines.
EMERGENCY BOAT OPERATION & RESCUE
 This 16-hour course is a must-have
for any rescue unit involved in on-the-water operations.
Emergency Boat Operation & Rescue includes both classroom and practical hands-on training in boat selection,
recommended equipment, boat-handling, moving-water tactics, and boat-rescue techniques. This course meets NFPA
1670 technician level guidelines.
Prerequisites: Water Rescue & Emergency Response, Boating
Safety Education Certificate.
 ADVANCED LINE SYSTEMS RESCUE
This 16-hour course includes classroom and practical
hands-on training in line-systems rescues such as Moveable Control Point, Z-drag, Zip
Line, and dynamic ferry. Tethered rescue techniques using Type V PFDs are also addressed.
This course meets NFPA 1670 technician level guidelines.
Prerequisites: Water Rescue & Emergency Response.
ICE RESCUE & EMERGENCY RESPONSE
This 16-hour course prepares rescue personnel to evaluate
and respond to ice related emergencies. Students learn how to identify ice conditions,
use ice rescue equipment and practice shore, boat, and direct contact ice rescue techniques.
This course meets NFPA 1670 technician level guidelines.
 Prerequisites: Water Rescue & Emergency Response.
WATER RESCUE FOR THE FIRST RESPONDER
This 2½-hour classroom course is for anyone who may respond to a water
emergency. Topics include scene assessment, activation of the Emergency Response System, evaluation of potential
and existing water hazards, scene management, rescue vs. recovery, and personal safety measures. This course meets
NFPA 1670 awareness level guidelines.
HOW DO I FIND A COURSE?
PA Fish & Boat Commission
Bureau of Boating and Education
P.O. Box 67000
Harrisburg, PA 17106-7000
Phone: 717-705-7834
E-mail: "ra-be@state.pa.us"
SPECIAL NOTE
To participate in any of the PA Fish & Boat Commission’s water rescue courses, students must be prepared
to engage in strenuous activities in extreme weather and water conditions. If a student has a known medical condition
that could forseeably jeopardize his/her safety during participation or be aggravated by participation, the student
should not participate in the training. |
