2026 Oklahoma Swiftwater Rescue Conference and Competition

The 2026 Oklahoma Swiftwater Rescue Conference and Competition is an annual event designed to provide high-quality, up-to-date swiftwater rescue training to first responders. It equips participants with essential skills to effectively and safely handle swiftwater emergencies, which are a recurring and deadly hazard. The event combines classroom instruction from Oklahoma State University’s fire rescue program with hands-on exercises at RIVERSPORT's Whitewater Center in Oklahoma City, which can simulate up to Class V rapids. Training includes progressive rescue techniques, raft flips, boat operations, vehicle extractions in moving water, animal rescue, incident command, and rescue swimmer skills. The conference culminates in a final-day competition to test skills under pressure and also includes the presentation of the prestigious Higgins & Langley Awards. The event fosters collaboration and networking among emergency responders.