Flathead Rivers Alliance launches community river safety trainings

Flathead Rivers Alliance announces a series of community-accessible river safety trainings for 2026, including free First Aid/CPR certification opportunities and scholarship support for swift water rescue trainings. 

Made possible through support from the Flathead Electric Cooperative Roundup for Safety Grant Program, these trainings are designed to strengthen safety skills, emergency preparedness, and confidence for anyone spending time on or around rivers throughout the Flathead watershed. 

Whether participants are recreational river users, anglers, rafting enthusiasts, outdoor educators, guides, volunteers, or community members seeking emergency response skills, the trainings aim to build a safer and more resilient river community. 

Flathead Rivers Alliance is partnering with Anytime/Anywhere CPR to offer free First Aid/CPR Certification training for up to 20 participants. 

The sessions are Saturday, June 6 from 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. and Sunday, June 7, from 1 – 5 p.m. at the Coram fire station. 

Registration Link: First Aid/CPR Training Application 

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfGyAK2dj5BIo7ybLHk_dnEPKzRwk4o3Xi3yPxZAkvm8mQb-A/viewform

Flathead Rivers Alliance is also offering scholarships to help reduce financial barriers for community members interested in river rescue training. Trainings will be led in partnership with Great Northern Resort & Whitewater and are ideal for boaters, guides, anglers, outdoor professionals, search and rescue volunteers, and anyone interested in developing river safety and rescue skills. 

A Women’s Specific Swiftwater & Technical River Rescue course is offered June 20–22. 

This women’s-specific course covers the essentials of swift water safety and rescue in a supportive, all-women environment while helping participants develop practical rescue skills for river running. 

Registration Link: Women’s Swiftwater Rescue Scholarship Application 

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSemCU1Dbi6In6r9Fq7hj3hj6m7r_oVNGw18BLafOqqpK2_aeQ/viewform

On June 19-20, a Co-ed Swiftwater and Technical River Rescue course will be offered. This co-ed course is designed for private boaters and individuals seeking an introduction to river rescue and foundational swift water safety skills. 

Registration Link: Co-ed Swiftwater Rescue Scholarship Application 

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdYpVx4Y0H3_cJPzHCjvFXK_dWCuObAg5PkQpCApU4XnWYmjQ/viewform 

Applications for each training session are due by 5 p.m. MST on June 1. Selected applicants will be notified no later than June 4. 

“We are grateful to the Flathead Electric Cooperative Roundup for Safety Grant Program for helping make these opportunities possible,” said Sheena Pate, executive director. 

Learn more about Flathead Rivers Alliance offerings at www.flatheadrivers.org.