This program requires a classroom with a black or whiteboard for approximately 3-4 hours. This lecture includes proper boating techniques, current and wind equations, rescue swimmer skills, anchoring procedures, and the program's ground rules. Much of this information will appear later on the final written examination.

Part two of the program takes place outside where the boats sit on their trailers. We examine each boat and provide instruction on how to better set it up for rescue operations. This information, plus that provided in the classroom, is then used to set up anchors, lines, etc. for each boat with an all hands-on cooperative effort.

Our Instructors will demonstrate how to hone and tune a prop, after which time, the rest of the props will be tuned by the students. A couple of heavy and light rasp files, a rubber mallet and a two-by-four must be provided by the host department for this exercise.

Other equipment that should be ready is extra line, extra chain, bungee cords, duct tape and a couple of cement blocks or cement filled gallon containers with an eye-hook secured to one end.

The class moves to the water site. Various stations will be set up for hands-on rescues with boats, exposure suits and fins, shore-based procedures, and more.