Trip Highlights
- Taught by Mark Hirst
- Courses Based in Hood River, Oregon
- Learning Alongside Other River Professionals
Pro Whitewater Rescue Training
Tailored to Professional River Guides
Rescue3 WRT Courses
- Season: April
- Minimum Age: 18
- Prerequisites: Commercial Guiding Experience and Ability to Swim
- Meeting Place: Hood River, OR
Rescue 3 Whitewater Rescue Technician (WRT) classes are designed for paddlers, guides, and outdoor enthusiasts seeking advanced skills in whitewater safety and rescue. These hands-on courses combine expert instruction with real-world scenarios, ensuring participants gain the knowledge and confidence needed to manage emergencies in dynamic river environments. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or looking to deepen your understanding of river rescue, our WRT classes offer invaluable training to enhance safety and preparedness on the water.
Whitewater Rescue Technician – Professional (WRT-PRO)
Prerequisites: Professional Guiding Experience
Length: 3 Days
This course is specifically tailored for experienced professional river guides looking to enhance their skills. Recreational paddlers and private boaters are encouraged to enroll in our Class III Safety & Rescue Course for training suited to their needs.
The course will include:
- Best practice guidelines
- River hydrology and hazards
- Personal equipment
- Technical and group equipment
- River running considerations
- Assessing risk
- Managing an incident
- Communication
- Whitewater swimming techniques
- Throw bag rescues
- Shallow water techniques
- Foot and body entrapments
- Knots and anchor systems
- Mechanical advantage
- Boat Pins and Wraps
- Raft Flips
Whitewater Rescue Technician Advanced (WRTA)
Prerequisites: Rescue3 WRT-PRO Training
Length: 4 Days
This course is the continuation of the WRT-PRO course listed above. It is designed for outdoor professionals working on rivers where vertical access may be required.
The course will include:
- Rescue planning and incident management
- Technical rescue equipment
- Advanced water rescue techniques
- Rope-based raising and lowering systems
- Initial search operations and management
- Night rescue operations
- Casualty care and packaging
- Low angle casualty evacuation
About Mark Hirst
Mark Hirst is an internationally recognized rafting and safety instructor with a wealth of experience in river rescue training. As a certified instructor for both Rescue 3 Europe and the International Rafting Federation, Mark has dedicated his career to advancing safety standards and teaching rescue techniques to river professionals worldwide.
Originally from Manchester, England, Mark’s expertise has taken him to some of the world’s most dynamic and challenging river environments. He regularly teaches courses in Finland, Bosnia, Russia, Nepal, India, Iceland, and Morocco, sharing his knowledge and passion for whitewater safety with diverse audiences.
Mark’s teaching philosophy emphasizes hands-on, practical learning, and fostering confidence in real-world rescue situations. Through his Lapin Koskikoulu Blog, he shares insights, experiences, and valuable tips on whitewater safety and training.