Fall Swiftwater course
General Details
Ríos to Rivers is offering a Swiftwater training and leadership course on the Trinity River, October 22 - 25, 2026.
This course combines hands-on swiftwater rescue training, leadership development, and civic engagement to help students build the skills and knowledge to support safe paddling, strong river communities, and healthy rivers.
Participants will complete training aligned with American Canoe Association (ACA) Swiftwater Rescue Skills standards while exploring the challenges facing the Trinity River and opportunities to support its future.
Pick-Up and Drop-Off
Drop-off:
Date: Thursday, October 22
Time: 5:00 pm
Location: Skunk Point Campground (location could change on the Trinity River depending on availability of camps)
Pick-up:
Date: Sunday, October 25
Time: 4:00 pm
Location: Skunk Point Campground (location could change on the Trinity River depending on availability of camps)
* Please reach out to ptw@riostorivers.org if you are looking to connect with other families to carpool to this course or have other transportation questions.
Swiftwater 101
Delivered in alignment with American Canoe Association (ACA) standards, this course introduces students to the ACA Swiftwater Rescue curriculum through hands-on instruction, practical scenarios, and skills assessment.
Students will develop foundational rescue skills focused on personal safety, hazard awareness, and assisting paddlers in distress. Training will include individual and team-based scenarios, including higher-risk situations involving strainers and entrapments.
Participants will have the opportunity to earn an ACA Swiftwater Rescue Skills certificate of completion.
2026 FORMS
If you have not participated in a Ríos to Rivers program in 2026 you will need to fill out the forms below.
Liability + Media Release
Student Conduct Policy
Medical Background
Please fill out the following by October 10th, you will not be able to attend Paddle Tribal Waters Swiftwater course without submitting these. Please reach out to PTW@riostorivers.org if you have any questions or concerns:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS)
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Yes. Ríos to Rivers is providing the course free of charge, including food, camping, and additional curriculum. Comparable ACA Swiftwater Rescue Skills courses typically cost $300–$350 and do not include food or accommodations.
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The course offers an opportunity to earn an ACA Swiftwater Rescue Skills certificate of completion. The course includes a skills assessment throughout the training, and participants must meet the applicable course requirements.
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Yes. A limited number of spots are reserved for eligible students ages 16 and older. Students under 18 must schedule a phone call with PTW staff and a parent or guardian to review expectations.
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Ríos to Rivers will provide camping accommodations and food throughout the course.
Participants will be responsible for preparing their own breakfasts and lunches using provided food and supplies. Dinner preparation will be shared through rotating group cook crews, giving students an opportunity to practice teamwork, initiative, and community responsibility.
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Yes! Please check the packing list and bring everything you need to camp for 3 nights. Plan for rain and chilly weather!
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Absolutely! In addition to swiftwater rescue training, students will participate in leadership development and a civic engagement component focused on the Trinity River.
This component connects students' experiences on the water with the broader work of protecting rivers, supporting Tribal communities, and developing the next generation of river leaders.broader work of protecting rivers, supporting Tribal communities, and developing the next generation of river leaders.
Packing List
General:
1 large duffle bag
2 water bottles with your name on them
1 watch with an alarm (you will be responsible for getting yourself up in the morning to be on time for breakfast and should not count on a cell phone for an alarm)
Camping:
Mess kit (plate, bowl, spoon, fork, mug)
Sleeping bag
Sleeping pad (able to be compressed down to a small size and packed for our
multi-day river trip)
Tent
Headlamp and extra batteries
Toothbrush + essential toiletries
Medications
Footwear:
Sandals or flip-flops (sports-mode strap preferred)
Closed-toe water shoes that don’t fall off in the water (these can be old running shoes; Crocs do NOT count)
Clothes:
3 t-shirts or tanks
1 long-sleeve quick-dry thermal shirt
1 pair of quick-dry thermal pants-
1 pair of long pants (jeans or similar)
1 swimsuit
Bandana
Underwear — enough for 3 days
2–3 pairs of socks
Heat and Cold:
Rain jacket
Warm jacket (fleece or sweatshirt)
Hat/beanie
Sun hat
the water)
Chapstick and sunscreen
Optional:
Camera
Book
Games/cards
Small personal first-aid kit (with splinter removal and blister supplies)

