River Rescue certification is a mandatory requirement for all Grade 3 and above raft guide awards. NZRA runs annual workshops in both the North Island and South Island, covering swiftwater rescue techniques, rope systems, knot work, and river signals.
Currency requirement
Senior guides must attend a River Rescue workshop every three years to maintain currency. Grade 3 and Grade 4/5 certifications require an initial pass but do not expire.
Which option is right?
Training Course + Workshop — for guides new to river rescue or needing a full refresh. Workshop Only — for experienced guides maintaining currency.
2026 North Island River Rescue Workshop — Kawerau
Training course: 2 November 2026 – 4 November 2026
Registration closes: 31 October 2026
2026 South Island River Rescue Workshop — Queenstown
Training course: 16 November 2026 – 18 November 2026
Registration closes: 10 November 2026