11th DWR Conservation Police Training Academy Completes Officer Water Survival Course

The students of the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) Conservation Police's 11th Basic Training Academy recently completed their 16-hour Officer Water Survival (OWS) course in accordance with the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) Boat Operations and Training (BOAT) Program. The purpose of the course is to provide our new officers the skills necessary to survive in and around the water. This course prepares the officer for the unexpected immersion into the water. A key element of this course is preparing the participants to become proficient in water survival skills and awareness on how to use their duty gear and survival equipment to increase their chances of survival. The students demonstrated proficiency of each of the subject areas outlined in the course modules through a compilation of measures including objective testing, scenario review, class discussion, practical activities, and verification of course prerequisites.
The NASBLA OWS program is in place by many agencies across the country and was added to the Basic Training Academy’s curriculum in 2021. The class has been preparing for this strenuous class by swimming regularly and receiving swim lessons, as needed. The helpful staff at Burkwood Swim and Racquet Club have been working with our class as part of the scheduled physical training program.
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