Certification & Licensing Courses

Rafting, Hiking and Tours for Adults, Families, Schools

River Guides Whitewater Rescue

Westwater Canyon Whitewater River Rescue

Canyonlands Field Institute offers first aid and river rescue courses for land, river and air tour guides. Courses are primarily designed for rangers and back-country guides, outdoor educators and other professionals who work outdoors, but are open to the public. Courses based in Moab. Enrollment is limited and these programs fill quickly.


Westwater Canyon River Rescue provides active hands-on training in risk management for the experienced commercial guide, private boater, field biologist and emergency or ranger personnel. Participants learn and practice techniques for accident prevention, preparedness, and actual rescue. Emphasis is on boat-based, in-flow rescue techniques for high volume river flows as well as shore-based rope system techniques applicable to lower volume river flows. Activities involve knot tying, establishing anchor systems, developing mechanical advantage rope systems (Z-drags and piggy backs), use of throw ropes, flipping and righting rafts, and self-rescue swimming. Discussions and demonstrations will cover trip leadership, and rescue/evacuation plans specifically for Westwater Canyon. "I loved the course. The class made me desire even more knowledge... it was inspiring will be a much better informed and therefore at-ease guide in the (Grand) canyon this summer The CFI class was beautifully run and the guides and instructors a pleasure." ...Jocelyn Gibbon, Flagstaff, AZ, April 2003		Fully outfitted trip, boats & food provided. Full wetsuits and helmets required (rentals available). Instruction: Rachel Schmidt; works now with Ceiba Expeditions, an international expedition company. Her guiding experience includes the Colorado River in the Grand Canyon, the rivers of Utah's Canyonlands, and international trips in Mexico, Belize, Costa Rica, and Zimbabwe. She also works as a mountain bike guide, and has instructed river rescue workshops for CFI since 1989. Limited to 10 open enrollment participants plus 10-15 CFI river guides and graduate students in training. Current Course Dates & Fees Wetsuit, sleeping kit rental is Available