Water Rescue Technician (WRT)

The California State Fire Marshal Water Rescue Technician class is a specialized training program for first responders tasked with rescuing in aquatic environments. California has many water hazards—rivers, lakes, coastal waters, and flood-prone areas—and this course prepares personnel to handle complex water rescue scenarios safely and effectively.

The course combines classroom instruction with hands-on training, focusing on critical water rescue skills such as self-rescue, victim retrieval, and specialized equipment like rescue ropes, flotation devices, and boats. Participants learn to assess water conditions, understand hydrodynamics, and implement rescue techniques in swift water, floods, and static water bodies.

A key emphasis is placed on safety and teamwork, as water rescues often involve rapidly changing conditions and high-risk environments. The class also covers the proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE), risk management strategies, and scene size-up to ensure both rescuer and victim safety. By the end of the course, students are equipped to respond confidently to water emergencies, making the Water Rescue Technician certification essential for fire departments and rescue organizations operating in water-rich or flood-prone regions.