This October, join us at the 2025 Swiftwater Rescue Conference, part of the very first ACA PaddleFest, October 17–19 at the U.S. National Whitewater Center in Charlotte, NC.
Designed for paddlers, instructors, and safety leaders, this conference offers an unmatched opportunity to learn from nationally and internationally recognized swiftwater rescue experts—all while connecting with peers from across the paddling community.
What’s Included with Your Registration
- 3 half-day on-water sessions
- 3 on-land sessions
- ACA Swiftwater Instructor & Instructor Trainer Updates
- Hands-on learning with leading experts like Tom Burroughs, Stephanie Lareau, Lynsey Nunes, Chris Davis, Josh Nichols, Don Lester, CJ Waasdorp, Glenn Harman, Justin Padgett, Jordan Taylor, Henderson McGinnis, Karl Schmidt, Jim Coffey, Nik White, and Robin Pope!
- Explore the full schedule here
Registration Details
- ACA Members: $375
- Non-Members: $415 (includes a one-year ACA membership)
- A la carte sessions available for select presentations
Learn More and Register for the Swiftwater Rescue Conference
A La Carte Opportunities for Non-Conference Participants
The following SWR Conference sessions are included in the full conference registration, and are also available “A La Carte” for non-conference participants:
CPR Certification – Attain your Adult, Child, Infant CPR Certification with discussion on drownings. Be ready in case of cardiac arrest and drowning with these life-saving skills. Will include an introduction to advanced drowning care.
- $35, training materials included
- Friday, October 17
- 9:00AM – 12:00PM
Cutting Tools & Low Light Operations – Emergency cutting tools are important rescue tools, but paddlers rarely take the time to train with them. This module will discuss cutting tool selection, storage on a PFD, and use on land and in water. We most often paddle during the day, but what happens when rescues extend into the night? These modules will discuss tools paddlers carry with them and use in scenarios occurring in light-limited situations.
- $25
- Friday, October 17
- 4:00PM – 8:00PM
Boat Based Rescues – Today’s paddlesports leader requires rescue skills for all types of paddlecraft. This session will provide opportunities to use various boats as rescue platforms and to perform successful rescues in a wide variety of situations.
- $25
- Saturday, October 18
- 4:00PM – 6:00PM
Register for a SWR Conference “A La Carte” Session
Plan Your Stay
Heading to Charlotte for the first-ever ACA PaddleFest and Swiftwater Rescue Conference? We’ve secured a variety of lodging options—from hotels close to the Whitewater Center to a scenic campground—for your convenience. Be sure to book early, as reservation deadlines are approaching!
