See what SWBA Instructor courses are publicly scheduled.
20-21 May 2024, Segre Olympic Park, La Seu d’Urgell, Catalonia, Spain.
24-25 May 2024, Tarrant County Community College, Fort Worth, Texas, USA.
Please read FAQs before registering.
According to the NFPA, a firefighter is four times more likely to lose their life in a water rescue than in structural firefighting.
Swiftwater Breathing Apparatus (SWBA®) are adapted Compressed Air Emergency Breathing Systems, for use in flood and swiftwater environments as surface-level respiratory protection to prevent asphyxiation from water. generally on-demand to undertake short critical tasks such as swimming through dangerous water or improve survival if trapped. This revolutionary cutting-edge program is now being delivered worldwide. We are the exclusive global training agency for type-approved SWBA for HEED3 and Tiger Performance.
Instructor Course (2 days): For those seeking to become a certified SWBA® Instructor, a two day course is required. You will teach new students on the second day under supervision. See event FAQ for pre-requisites. Subject to new products being developed being available, participants of this course will see an advanced viewing of new SWBA technology soon to be released onto the market.
Certificate, patch and SWBA mounting system (pouch only) are provided to participants who successfully complete their respective course level requirements.
What are the pre-requisites to attend the Instructor Course?
Instructors must hold:
* Swiftwater Rescue Technician; and
* SSI/PADI Rescue Diver (or equivalent); and
* Dive Master, or Swiftwater Rescue Instructor (or special approval – contact us if you seek this)
Please view the pre-requisites as per the Good Practice Guideline: Swiftwater Breathing Apparatus
Is a dive medical required?
You will be required to complete the standard dive medical screening questionnaire. If you have any contra-indications, you will need to get a medical clearance at your own cost. Please ensure you review this form well in advanced to ensure you are fit and ready to attend the course.
What do I need to bring?
You will need to bring full swiftwater technician PPE including Wetsuit/Drysuit, PFD, helmet etc. You must also bring a suitable low volume dive mask that fits easily to and while wearing your helmet. We will have SWBA to use during the course. Please also bring your own food, snacks and water.
What if I am still working on completing the pre-requisites?
You can purchase a ticket, however we will not issue a refund because you have not met pre-requisites or fail medical clearance to enter the course.
What are the physical/swimming requirements?
You need to be fit and confident to swim 50m in less than 60 seconds AND be comfortable swimming in Grade 3/Class III flow.
Is there an pre-course learning?
Yes, there is a mandatory 90 minute online learning module, including an examination you must pass. Once you are confirmed on the course, you will be issued a coupon to access the online learning.
I am a kayaker or raft guide, can I attend?
Yes! You must however have a river rescue and SCUBA certification.
If I am doing the instructor course, do I need to ensure I have students available?
If you can please. This will help us ensure you have at least two specialist course students signed up to ensure your instructor cohort have a sufficient number of students to teach on day 2.
What are the course timings?
Please set aside from 8am to 5pm. We will advise precise timing within two weeks of the course commencement as part of joining instructions.
Can I purchase a type-approved SWBA device to take away from the course?
Generally no, however you can now buy these devices directly from suppliers.
If I am looking at becoming an instructor, are they any agreements?
Yes. If you successfully complete the instructor course requirements as part of the certification you will need to sign an instructor agreement. This protects the intellectual property of the SWBA programme, but also ensures you agree to adhere to the Good Practice Guideline.
I don’t have a SCUBA certificate but I am qualified for fire service SCBA/Breathing Apparatus?
No, we are unable to accept this in lieu of SCUBA certification. It is critical for safety that attendees have completed the recognised SCUBA certification and are already confident using a mouthpiece regulator. This standard has been set in consultation with H&S regulators.
