Also called: Water Rescue Specialist
Rescues people trapped in floods, rivers, and fast-moving water.
Swiftwater techs use ropes, boats, and specialized swimming techniques to pull drivers from flooded cars and kayakers from rapids. During hurricanes, they work nonstop in flooded neighborhoods.
Approximate: anchored on Bureau of Labor Statistics data for a broader job group.
Certificate, about 3 years after high school. Firefighter or rescue experience plus swiftwater technician certification.
Ways in: Certification, On-the-job training. Training cost: Get paid while you train.
Majors to look at: Fire Science.
Growing about average (about 3% over 10 years). Approximate.
Low risk for 10 years. Drones drop flotation and scout; ropes, boats and swimming to people stay human.
Classes: PE / swimming, Physics, Health / first aid.
Official data: O*NET occupation 33-2011.
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