A swiftwater entry  doesn't have to be graceful, it just has to gets the job done. A good swiftwater entry can make or break your swiftwater swim. Part superman, part belly flop, it involves extending yourself into the current and can give you the jump start you need to make your target. In our swiftwater rescue courses...

The figure of eight on a bight is one of the most commonly used knots in swiftwater rescue. It is often used with throw bags for live bait,  tethered boats, and tag lines. The figure of 8 on a bight is relatively strong, secure when dressed, easy to tell when its tied properly, and easy...

We braved the early winter weather that came through the Sierra Nevada this week, and had a great few days training on the Truckee River and the surrounding mountains.  We had two students all the way from Argentina joined by a few other folks from various parts of California's fire rescue. Rain snow or shine,...

It was a great and action-packed road trip up to Jackson, Wy for 8 days of swiftwater and wilderness first aid training. Compared with the snow we had for Sands' training last year, 73 and sunny was a dream come true. We got to explore some new training sites and incorporated a down-river scenario float...

Every year as I drop down into the Salt River Canyon, I take a deep breathe as I view the beauty of the Canyon.  Once again, the White Mountain Apache tribe welcomed our training to their lands.  During the 10 days that I was there, I had the pleasure of teaching a Wilderness First Responder...