Abigail Polsby, Sierra Rescue/Rescue 3 West’s lead Rescue Swimmer Instructor, is teaching an Rescue Swimmer course in Elk Grove, CA!

The Rescue Swimmer Basic is the core of the new Rescue 3 Rescue Swimmer program. This class is aimed for students rescuing in an inland open water environment such as lakes or ponds of various sizes, as well as flatwater rivers and park waterfronts. This class is a must do for lifeguards, firefighters, EMTs, park rangers, biologists, Department of Fish & Game, Forest Service employees, professional rescuers and even recreational water enthusiasts who have flatwater in and around where they work and play!! The class is lots of fun, hands on, and scenario based like all Sierra Rescue courses!

The RS will help rescuers improve their swimming technique, practice victim management and rescue, and introduce swimmer adjuncts. A strong emphasis is also placed on dealing with victims in the open water environment including rescue interventions and medical management. Students will practice shore and boat based open water search techniques, recovery of submerged victims, towing and managing combative and unconscious victims, and using floating backboards and adjuncts to perform successful rescues!

There is no requirement for the RS other than desire to learn and some comfort swimming in water. The first day of the class is spent in a swimming pool practicing swimming technique, learning about adjuncts and going over basic skills. The second day is in an open water environment and will focus on using the skills developed during the first day to preform real open water searches and rescues!