Public Safety Swiftwater Rescue
PRO-SAR Swiftwater Rescue
NFPA 1006 and 2500 compliant swiftwater, surface-water and flood-rescue training built for fire departments, search and rescue teams, law enforcement and emergency-response agencies.
The Gold Standard for Swiftwater Training
Built around how your agency responds.
PRO-SAR is SSI’s professional swiftwater rescue platform for agencies responsible for surface-water, swiftwater and flood incidents. Training can be hosted at SSI or delivered directly in an agency’s area of operations.
Every program is shaped around the Authority Having Jurisdiction, local hazards, available equipment, personnel, Emergency Response Plan and real-world response model—not a generic checklist disconnected from the work.
Core Training Capabilities
Integrated skills for complex water response.
01
Hydrology & Hazard Recognition
Read water, identify forces, recognize obstacles and establish safe operational limits.
02
Self-Rescue & Swimming
Directional swimming, defensive and aggressive techniques, hazard avoidance and controlled movement.
03
Contact Rescue & Extrication
Entry rescues, subject control, removal techniques and practical extrication systems.
04
Rope-Supported Operations
Rope handling, anchors, basic systems, tethered craft and highline applications over water.
05
Search & Site Management
Search techniques, communications, safety checks, site control and disciplined team coordination.
06
Flood & Watercraft Integration
Supplemental flood and surface-water iterations with watercraft use when supported by the agency.
Agency-Specific Delivery
Train in the environment you protect.
In-house programs evaluate the AHJ’s response plan, local water hazards, equipment and deployment model. SSI can refine course emphasis, scenarios and ongoing recertification around the agency’s operational needs, including a train-the-trainer pathway.
Course Details
Professional training with clear expectations.
Course Format
Approximately two hours of classroom instruction each morning front-loads the day’s objectives before technical water and rope-rescue evolutions in the field.
- Minimum age: 18
- Certification: up to 3 years
- Written and practical skills evaluations
- NFPA Position Task Book initiated
Prerequisites
- Proficient swimmer
- Physically capable
- Desire to learn
- All necessary personal protective equipment
- Meet SSI’s Essential Eligibility Criteria
PRO-SAR Objectives
Technical competence from scene size-up through rescue.
NFPA Technician Pathway
Water technician skills are one part of the complete model.
PRO-SAR completes SSI’s in-water training requirements under NFPA 1006 and 2500, with supplemental Surface Water and Floodwater iterations shaped around AHJ objectives. (NFPA 1006 Ch. 17, 18, & 23).
Technician-level capability under the NFPA model requires both water and technical-rope competencies. Rope training may be satisfied through qualified in-house training.
Build Your Agency Program
Bring PRO-SAR to your area of operations.
Tell us how your agency responds, what water environments you protect and what capabilities your personnel must maintain. SSI will shape the training platform around the mission.