Level 4 ACA Swiftwater Rescue Course
This two-day class is specifically aimed at teaching Swiftwater rescue techniques to commercial raft guides and experienced private boaters.
General skills covered in the course:
- Personal preparation and gear familiarization
- Incident organization, rescue priorities and management
- Rescue strategies for common river scenarios
- Wading and swimming skills
- Rope skills and systems
- Rescue scenarios
For more detailed information about the American Canoe Association Level 4 Swiftwater Rescue Course curriculum, click here.
Participants will recieve a Level 4 ACA card upon successful completion of the class.
It is preferable that students have had at least 1 year of commercial guiding experience or several years of private boating experience before signing up. This class is not recommended for prospective raft guides with no prior experience.
It is preferable that everyone who signs up is over the age of 18. Exceptions can be made on a case-by-case basis. Please contact us for further details.
If you're not sure whether this class is right for you, give us a call to discuss your situation!
Participants are required to bring:
- A suitable PFD (USGC Type V)
- Helmet
- Closed-toe shoes suitable for walking/wading in the river environment
- Wetsuit or drysuit and clothing suitable for spending extended periods of time in the water
- A throw bag (boat bag or waist bag is fine)
- Lunch and snacks to get through a long day of river time
- Participants are also encouraged to bring:
Any other safety/rescue gear you typically carry with you i.e. river knife, webbing, locking carabiners, prussics.
A whistle attached to your PFD
Quick Facts
- Location: South Fork American River
- Schedule:
- May 21-22, 2026 (Thu-Fri)
- May 23-24, 2026 (Sat-Sun) - We will book this session once the Thu-Fri is filled.
- Duration: 2 full days
- Meet Time: 8 am
- Finish Time: 5 pm
- Minimum age: 18 years old
- Class size: 15
- Cost: $275 per person
- Certification: Level 4 ACA Certification
The course will be held at the Nugget: 7900 S Fork Rd, Placerville, CA 95667
Please be advised: There will not be enough time to leave the Nugget for lunch breaks, so please pack a lunch. There will be potable water and bathrooms available on-site.