The Swift Water Safety awareness program is designed and presented with the emphasis on river assessment and remaining safe while working around, on or in bodies of water. The primary objective of the course is to give people practical distinctions for safe versus non-safe, water sites.
The skills that are taught within the program are directed at decision making based on the “Hazards to Observe” (H2O) system developed by RMAM and designed specifically for employees assigned tasks around a moving water work site. On the practical side we look at swimming; the use of throw bags; partner rescue and river crossing techniques. Several sites are viewed and assessed with the H2O evaluator as well as many opportunities for learning defensive and offensive swimming and wading techniques
The program meets the recommendations of the NFPA at the “awareness” level as well as meeting the guidelines for “safe working procedures” as published by Alberta Workplace Health and Safety. We recommend that participants repeat the course within 3 years.