Rescue Diver Course

Learn to prevent and manage problems in the water, and become more confident in your skills as a diver. It's challenging, yet very rewarding.

Description

Scuba divers describe the PADI Rescue Diver course as the most challenging, yet most rewarding course they’ve ever taken. Why? Because you learn to prevent and manage problems in the water, and become more confident in your skills as a diver, knowing that you can help others if needed. During the course, you learn to become a better buddy by practicing problem solving skills until they become second nature. Plus, the course is just fun – it’s serious, but still allows for lots of laughter in between the focused learning.

PADI (Junior) Adventure Divers who are at least 12 years old and have completed the Underwater Navigation Adventure Dive may enroll in a Rescue Diver course. You also need to have Emergency First Response Primary and Secondary Care (CPR and First Aid) training within the past 24 months. You can complete this training during the Rescue Diver course. Your instructor may also offer the PADI Emergency Oxygen Provider specialty diver course at the same time.

Academic

The PADI Rescue Diver course prepares you to deal with dive emergencies, minor and major, using a variety of techniques. Through knowledge development and rescue exercises, you learn what to look for and how to respond. During rescue scenarios, you put into practice your knowledge and skills. Topics include:

  • Self rescue

  • Recognizing and managing stress in other divers

  • Emergency management and equipment

  • Rescuing panicked divers

  • Rescuing unresponsive divers

You may be able to get college credit for the Rescue Diver course.

Equipment

You’ll use your basic scuba equipment. During exercises, you’ll work with an oxygen unit, floats, marker buoys and perhaps CPR mannequins. Your PADI Instructor will explain the equipment that you need and may suggest additional gear, such as your own first aid kit, which will be useful throughout your diving career.

Getting Started

  • All year round (yes even winter!)

  • Don't see a tour time that works for you or want to book for a special occasion? Contact us to book a Private Course!

  • Approx. 2.5 hours at the site

  • Maximum 10 students per instructor (let us know in advance for large parties)

Please bring:

  • Mask

  • Fins

  • Snorkel

  • Boots

  • Suitable clothes for the weather of the day

  • Contact lenses if you wear glasses

    Cold weather only:

  • Long underwear

  • Thick socks

  • Boots will be provided

Included:

  • All course materials

  • Professional instruction

  • Classroom sessions

  • Pool sessions (Indoor / heated for cold weather)

  • Top of the line rental dive gear including: buoyancy control device, regulators, gauges, weights, weight belt, wetsuit, and compass

  • PADI Open Water Certification Card upon completion

 
 

For your safety, all participants must:

Tentative schedule:

All E-Learning materials must be completed prior to class

Monday - Classroom Session (6-10pm)

Tuesday - Pool Session (6-10pm)

Wednesday - Pool Session (6-10pm)

Thursday

Friday

Saturday - Lake Dives (All Day)

Sunday - Lake Dives and completion of certification! (All Day)

  • Have read, signed, and followed directions on the online medical statement (link provided in confirmation email)  PDF

  • Have our Medical form signed off by a doctor if they are age 60 or older  PDF

  • Sign our liability release form  PDF

  • Be at least 13 years of age (students 12 years of age and younger are required to take private classes.)

  • Be comfortable in water and be able to swim

  • Be able to communicate in English

  • Not be pregnant

 Instructors & Staff

 Frequently Asked Questions

Q: My summer schedule is booked! When can I take a class?

A: We dive year round! Thanks to Dry Suits, you’ll be surprised how manageable the cold is.

Q: Can I buy food close by?

A: We typically provide lunch or snacks, if you have special dietary requirements please pack a lunch. There is a shop close to the dive sites with typical convenience store food.

Q: Do I need to pay for Parking?

A: State Parks in Arkansas require a $5 day pass (paid at the entrance) to help keep our parks beautiful, clean, and provide bathrooms. It is a small price to pay. (Please bring cash for the pass)

Q: Can I bring my own equipment?

A: Yes absolutely, using your own equipment whenever possible will let you feel more comfortable in the water without having to learn a new setup each time. Please bringing older equipment to our shop first to have it checked and serviced before your dive, this will ensure it is in good working condition so you don’t miss the dive.

Q: How much time should I allow?

A: Class times are usually on a week day in the evening around 6pm for 1-2 hours. Pool dives also on a weekday evening for 1-2 hours. Open water dives will be on Saturday and Sunday, travel time is about 2 hours. We will meet at the site dive, do portions of the course on land and in water and come home. On these days you’ll need to plan 6 hours or longer depending on size of class and how quickly we get through the material.

Q: What do I do if I have more questions?

A: Call us, we would be happy to talk through any questions or concerns.

 

 Location

During the open water lake portion of our dives we typically dive at Beaver Lake, please stay in contact with your instructor in case something changes.

 

 What's Next?

Now that you’re Rescue Diver Certified, you’ve got so many options!