ACA Swiftwater Rescue Instructor Upgrade - 2 or 3 Days

USA Raft & Lower Nolichucky River

FROM:$300-400

Months of Operation:

April-October

Duration:

2 days

Begins:

9 am

Age Requirements:

Age 18+
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Overview & Highlights

This is for you if: You are a current ACA L2-4 rescue instructor and want to Upgrade to a higher-level certification.

Current ACA rescue instructors can seek an Upgrade by participating either in a scheduled rescue upgrade class or the ICE portion of a rescue instructor course. Current ACA L2 Rescue instructors looking to upgrade to L3 certification can participate in either the final two days of our L3 River Safety & Rescue Instructor Course or the first two days of our L4/5 Swiftwater Instructor Rescue ICE. Current ACA L2-4 rescue instructors looking to upgrade to L4 or L5 can participate in the ICE portion (3 days) of our L4/5 Swiftwater Instructor Rescue Course. Course dates/times for 2024 are:
  • L3 Upgrade: Apr 20-21, 2024 (2 days)
  • L4/5 Upgrade: Apr 20-22, 2024 (3 days)
Instructors seeking an upgrade must meet all performance criteria and be prepared to teach any portion of the curriculum for the level of cert they seek. Instructor performance criteria and requirements can be found here. Participation in an upgrade is no guarantee that the desired level of certification will be awarded and, if you don't receive the certification level you’re looking for, clear guidance on needed next steps will be provided. Certification is valid for four years and maintained through class reporting and participation in periodic updates. Those seeking an upgrade during an ICE are welcome to participate in the IDW as well if they would like greater exposure to the skills they will be tested on during the actual upgrade. There is no additional cost for this but advance approval is required. Cost is $300 for L3 upgrade and $400 for L4/5 upgrade.

We also provide instructor 1-on-1 training if current instructors would like an assessment of their skills and the opportunity to practice under the guidance of L5 SWR IT Scott Fisher prior to participating in their upgrade.  To schedule an upgrade or 1-on-1 training contact us at info@nolilearn.org or 423-641-0100. Space is limited so we suggest reserving early. Upgrades may also be scheduled by request.
Highlights:
  • A supportive environment to learn and perform
  • An evaluation process that is clearly communicated and fairly assessed
  • Certification upgrade upon successful completion 
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USA Raft & Lower Nolichucky River

2 Jones Branch Rd, Erwin, TN 37650, USA

Additional Information

  • What to Expect

    • Instruction and guidance on how to meet all ACA rescue instructor requirements
    • Review of ACA organization and administration
    • Evaluation of candidate performance during the ICE
    • Certify instructor candidates meeting performance criteria as L3, 4 or 5 rescue instructors

  • Prerequisites

    • Age 18+
    • Current certification as an ACA L2-4 rescue instructor
    • Solid class 1, 2 or 3 kayaking skills for L2, L3 and L4/5 instructors, respectively
    • Good overall health and fitness
    • Ability to self-rescue from an overturned craft
    • Comfortable swimming in moving water
    • Current certification in CPR and first aid; to see upcoming CPR and wilderness medicine classes click here
    • ACA Course participants need to be current ACA and SEIC dues paying members
    • Full eligibility requirements and prerequisites can be found here

  • Includes

    • 2-3 Day Upgrade
    • Pre-course resources
    • Shuttle transportation

  • What to Bring

    Whitewater paddle craft and accessories as appropriate (e.g., sprayskirt, flotation bags, SUP leash, etc), helmet (must be specifically rated for whitewater), type V rescue vest PFD, throw rope (recommend 70-75 feet of 5/16 or 3/8-inch polypropylene or Spectra/Dyneema), paddle, two 12-20' lengths of 1-inch tubular nylon webbing, two 6-8' pieces of 5-6 millimeter nylon prusik cord, four oval-, pear- or “D”-shaped locking carabiners, paper and pen to take note, food, snacks, water, closed-toe water shoes, river clothes suitable for the conditions (e.g., fleece or polypro upper and lower body, IR Thinskin or Thickskin, drytop, drysuit, wetsuit—we will be spending a lot of time in the water so err on the side of caution), sunscreen, rain jacket (weather dependent), gloves (optional), camp chair. 

  • Meeting Location

    We will meet at USA Raft. Directions can be found here. Specific meeting location will be sent out separately.

  • Additional Information

    Lodging is available at Uncle Johnny's in Erwin, Woodsmoke Campground in Unicoi, Rock Creek Campground in Erwin (open May-Oct), Grand View Ranch Campground in Unicoi, Blackberry Blossom Campground in Unicoi and Nature's Inn Hostel and Cabins in Flag Pond, TN. Uncle Johnny's Hostel in Erwin has a variety of camping and lodging options. The closest hotel is a Super 8 in Erwin and there are hotels in Johnson City as well (20-30 minutes away).

  • Testimonials

    "Scott Fisher and Robin Pope are, hands down, the best outdoor instructors I’ve ever had. From start to finish, NOLI’s process is professional, thoughtful and thorough, and the curriculum and teaching methods have been carefully developed through decades of experience. And it doesn’t hurt that the Nolichucky River is a spectacular setting in which to learn. I drove 9.5 hours each way to come take the swiftwater rescue instructor course with NOLI, and I’m glad I did. I simply cannot overstate how impressed I am with the whole experience. I’d give it 6 stars if I could. Thank you, Scott and Robin, I will definitely be back."

    ~ Eric C.

Policies & Agreements

  • Terms and conditions

    I certify that all registrants meet course prerequisites as defined in the course description, meet the minimum age requirements and do not have any medical conditions or limitations that would prevent their ability to safely participate in the activity.

  • Cancellation policy

    NOLI activities go rain or shine. If you cancel or decrease the number of participants in your party the following applies:

    Cancellations 30 or more days prior to your activity will receive a full refund.
    Cancellations 14-29 days prior to the activity date will receive a full reservation booking voucher.
    Cancellations 0-13 days prior to the activity date are not extended a refund or voucher.
    No Shows are not extended a refund or voucher.

Upcoming Dates & Availability

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