Our Story

Wilderness Water Safety (WWS) was developed as an alternative to traditional Lifeguarding courses in 1989 by Dave Golden and Jim Sebesta. The idea for the course came from wilderness tripping organization leadership. Traditional lifeguarding courses are not designed for wilderness settings they are designed for pools, water parks, water attractions, some public beaches and some have a module for camp waterfronts. Wilderness Water Safety fills the void between traditional lifeguarding and the unique challenges of the wilderness setting.

The course has been in a perpetual state of evolution. Thanks to the input of many experienced trip leaders and other organizations the course continues to improve.

Currently, over 30 courses are provided in Minnesota, Wisconsin and Ontario, Canada. Participants are wilderness trip or course leaders, outdoor educators, or trainees. The course is incorporates information from American Red Cross, and National Lifesaving Society, Society for Wilderness Medicine and Wilderness First Responder guidelines.