Water Training Resources

05/24/2026

Weekend Open Enrollment Swiftwater Technician students getting after it despite the dreary Memorial Day weekend weather. Training doesn’t stop when conditions get tough and neither do these students!

05/21/2026

Over past few weeks members across all four shifts of the Town of Westport Fire Department took part in an FEMA Federal Emergency Management Agency AFG funded Swiftwater and Flood Water Rescue Technician course with WTR. From simple wading to highline boat based operations to swiftwater vehicle rescue, these students did it all!

05/18/2026

navigating the river with ease!

We take a lot of pride in our “float trip” day — several hours of a floating classroom focused on reading the river, building new skills, and most importantly appreciating everything the river environment gives us.

These are the days that sharpen awareness, build confidence, and remind us why we love being on the water. 🌊🚤

05/14/2026

If you’re not practicing V-Lowers to a victim are you setting yourself up for failure?

While practicing V-lowers -> a breakaway is an important skill, we need to remember why we are doing it in the first place! Lowering the rescuer is just as important as bringing them back to shore once they have made the rescue.

05/13/2026

4 Days Down, 4 to Go!
Halfway through our Swiftwater Rescue Technician program with the outstanding members of the Westport CT Fire Department!
Our team has been impressed with the dedication, skill, and teamwork shown by these firefighters as they tackle intense hands-on water training. Watching them build critical swiftwater rescue capabilities has been fantastic

05/10/2026

05/09/2026

What a great day in Manchester with the New England Rescue Collabrative. A lot of pics to come but enjoy these few for now!

05/06/2026

Engine down in the middle of a rescue? Paddles up!

Never underestimate the power of solid paddling skills. When your motor quits, your crew’s ability to maneuver and get to safety can make all the difference. Strong, coordinated strokes turn a potential disaster into a successful recovery.
Train like your engine will fail… because one day it might. 💪

05/05/2026

The Western Massachusetts Technical Rescue Team has successfully completed their Swift Water Rescue Technician training.
Team members have met and exceeded FEMA and NFPA standards for swiftwater and flood rescue operations. This includes advanced technical skills for working in moving water, boat handling, and high-risk extrication scenarios.
This training strengthens the team’s capability to respond effectively to water emergencies.
We appreciate the dedication and effort of all involved in maintaining these critical capabilities.

05/04/2026

Perfect day for refresher program! Sunny skies and solid flows 🤘