EDUCATION
ADVOCACY
RESCUE
RECOVERY
About Us
The mission of White Mountain Swiftwater Rescue is to offer our specialized technical skills, training, knowledge and experience to support the search, rescue and recovery operations of federal, state and local rescue agencies and organizations. We primarily focus on serving the rivers of the White Mountains Region by minimizing the number of swiftwater and flood-related incidents. We accomplish these goals through education, outreach and advocacy, and for such charitable purposes within the meaning of section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, and as are permissible for a corporation formed under RSA Chapter 292.
HIGGINS AND LANGLEY AWARD
The Higgins and Langley Memorial Awards in Swiftwater Rescue honor outstanding achievement in the technical discipline of swiftwater and flood rescue. These awards are not heroism awards—these awards recognize preparedness, teamwork, dedication to training and clear-headed focus under extreme conditions.
In 2019, White Mountain Swiftwater Rescue Team (WMSRT) and Mountain Rescue Service were nominated for a rescue performed on Cascade Brook in Franconia Notch, when a hypothermic individual was stranded on the far side of a stream swollen with rainwater and snowmelt. Working together, the two teams employed the Tyrolean Traverse technique (using a rope to cross between two high points) over a rapidly flowing creek. Though the conditions were challenging—the rescue was performed upstream a set of steep ledges, at night and in cold temperatures—the evacuation was successful.
WMSRT continues to lead and participate in training with our partner volunteer SAR teams, local fire rescue departments, NH Army National Guard, U.S. Forest Service and NH Fish and Game Conservation officers.
