Cold Water Rescue

This course provides essential training for rescuing individuals in cold water and ice emergencies. Participants will learn survival strategies, rescue techniques, and the use of specialized equipment to save lives in harsh and dangerous conditions.

• Explains the dangers associated with cold water emergencies, including cold shock, hypothermia, drowning risks, and the operational challenges faced during ice and cold water rescue incidents.
• Covers the 1-10-1 survival principle, including breathing control, limited movement capability, and hypothermia progression, while emphasizing techniques used to remain calm and conserve body heat.
• Reviews ice safety awareness concepts including changing ice thickness conditions, hidden ice hazards, environmental factors affecting ice stability, and general public safety guidance for frozen waterways.
• Explains the progressive five-step rescue sequence including self-rescue, reach, throw, row, and go rescue techniques used to safely assist victims during ice and cold water emergencies.
• Covers the 20:10:1 rule for ice rescue operations, including safe approach distances, weight distribution methods, and responder movement techniques designed to reduce the risk of secondary ice collapse.
• Focuses on the selection and use of cold water rescue personal protective equipment (PPE) including ice rescue suits, flotation devices, taglines, tether systems, and thermal protection gear.
• Reviews self-rescue techniques for individuals who fall through ice, including the use of ice picks, controlled kicking and rolling movements, and heat conservation methods such as the H.E.L.P. position.
• Highlights real-world cold water and ice rescue scenarios demonstrating rescue coordination, victim recovery techniques, ladder bridge operations, and practical emergency response strategies.

Certificate of Completion in Cold Water Rescue Training

OSHA 29 CFR 1910.132 (Personal Protective Equipment)NFPA 1670 (Standard on Operations and Training for Technical Search and Rescue Incidents)

This course is ideal for first responders, rescue teams, and individuals working in cold water or ice-prone environments.Emphasis is placed on practical rescue techniques, safety protocols, and the use of specialized equipment to ensure successful outcomes.