I.R.I.A.
Professional River Guide Training &
Swiftwater Flood/Rescue Technician Course.
Refreshers Also Available!

H2O Patagonia hosts annual Swift Water Flood/Rescue courses on the Rio Futaleufu. Our course is designed and delivered by International Swiftwater/Flood Rescue Instructor and Adventure Expeditions Leader for H20Patagonia, Mitch Sasser.

The Rio Futaleufu is considered to be among the most challenging rivers commercially run in the world. The IRIA, International Rescue Instructors Authority accredits our one-of-a-kind whitewater rescue course to the “Technician” Level III. Visit www.iria.org to learn more about the IRIA.

This is a 6 1/2-day intensive “Technician” Level III international accredited and certified course designed for professional river guides and experienced river runners, kayakers and river expedition team members. The goal is to prepare you to anticipate and understand dangerous situations, manage and minimize risk appropriately, and implement safe effective means of rescue. This course is approximately 30 to 34 hours in length—8 hours in the classroom and twenty-two hours in the field. H2O Patagonia offers this course only in April when conditions are best at a multitude of training sites. Students will be trained in big water swimming techniques, chase boats/kayaks and safety platforms for in-water moving rescue operations, large volume river rescue pre-planning and appropriate safety positioning, evacuations, search and rescue and low to high angle rigging made simple for the river runner.

The amazing, crystal clear high-volume hydrology of the Rio Futaleufu and comfortable water temperatures makes it the perfect training ground for practicing in-water boat-based whitewater rescue operations. If you're accustomed to rafting on low volume rivers this class will broaden your skill base and prepare you for high water and flood conditions on the rivers of your area. “Come test your river rescue skills and run the river with us on the World Famous Rio Futaleufu”.

“I guarantee this course will open your eyes, improve your skills and prepare you to be a more complete rescuer.” Mitch Sasser, International Swiftwater Rescue Instructor, River Guide Trainer/ Expeditions Leader H20 Patagonia.

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Trip Details
What Is Included:

• Pick-up in Esquel, Argentina, transport to Antucamay
• Private riverside pagoda, comfortable single occupancy room includes use of hot-tub, showers/bathrooms and camp trails.
• All food (alcohol apart) from Friday dinner at Antucmay Lodge through the following Saturday morning when your transfer to Esquel, Argentina departs.
• Use of rafts, catarafts, IK’s and other equipment in relation to rescue in general.
• International accredited diploma, patch and ID card from the IRIA, International Rescue Instructors Authority and Certificate of Completion from H20 Patagonia.
• On sight masseuse available at $1.00/min.

What Is Not Included:

• International airfare from your home country to Buenos Aires, Argentina.
• Your connecting flight from Buenos Aires to Esquel or other transport to Esquel, Argentina.
• Meals prior to Saturday dinner at Antucamay Lodge.
• Your personal river equipment i.e. PFD, Helmet, wetsuit/drysuit, shoes, dry-top, throw-bag, z-drag kit etc. See packing list for more detail.
• If you are a kayaker ask about Kayak rental
• Excess baggage charges
• Travel insurance

Contact us for more information on forming a class or send an email directly to Mitch Sasser. Whether you are a professional guide traveling and looking for a refresher before heading back to work, need a certified course or an expansion in knowledge with international accreditation or are a member of a rescue agency looking to broaden your skills we can help get you there. Our course is internationally recognized and certified.         

Community Efforts:
H20 Patagonia and the IRIA have joined forces in an on-going community project providing rescue training to the local community for paramedics, police and firefighters. By volunteering time, energy and equipment we’ve been making the training available at affordable prices for the local community. If you would like to donate money, equipment or your time to a worthy cause like this one please contact us.

We reserve the right to change the order of activities or even some of the activities due to changes in weather, transportation or other unforeseen events.

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