Pennsylvania Water Rescue

The PFBC initiated the Pennsylvania Water Rescue Program in 1983 to provide water and ice rescue training for fire and rescue department personnel. Since that time, over 75,000 students have been trained in the most current techniques. It is now the largest non-profit, public water and ice rescue training program known to exist in the United States.

Heroes of Water Rescue Award
Water Rescue Training OverviewOpens In A New Window (video)

THE WATER RESCUE CURRICULUM IS MADE UP OF FIVE COURSES

Water Rescue for the First Responder (Awareness Level)
(2 - 2.5 hours) (FEMA Course 15-32934)

NFPA 1670 Awareness Level online course

Classroom course covers: scene assessment, activation of the Emergency Response System, evaluation of potential and existing water hazards, scene management, rescue vs. recovery, and personal safety measures. Course meets NFPA 1670 awareness level guidelines.

Ice Safety - Basic Survival and Rescue
(2-3 hours)

Ice rescue is dangerous! This program provides ice safety awareness information. Topics covered include: ice formation and types of ice, personal protective equipment, and medical conditions associated with water and cold weather, how to activate the emergency response system, and how to survive a fall through the ice.

​VOLUNTEER RESCUE SERVICE RECOGNITION PROGRAM

 

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

For questions about Pennsylvania Water Rescue, please email us
at RA-FBWATERRESCUE@pa.gov.