REGISTERING for USA Programs:

See the “Open” Enrollment Schedule at www.ropesthatrescue.com.  Note the DATE at the TOP of that schedule as it changes often during the year - often weekly. A class you are registering for may have been changed in some way so before registering make sure you are looking at the MOST CURRENT schedule.

Then, to register for an open enrollment RTR program, print the 3 page RTR  Application and completely fill out and return to us (mail, fax or email) at the address /fax/email at the top. 

For registration more than 30 days before the beginning of the program,  your application must be accompanied by a minimum 50% deposit. For registration less than 30 days before the beginning of the program, full payment is required. Full payment is due within 30 days of the start for all programs. Students who do not make their full payment within 30 days of the start of class will be removed from the registered roster and placed on the waiting list.  RTR accepts checks, and credit cards (Visa , AMEX and MC). Call the office if you wish to use a government purchase order. Be sure to read and understand the cancellation terms on the application.

Page 3 of the RTR  application contains the all-important Participation Agreement, Release & Assumption of Risk document. Completely read through it and understand the risks of the program you are taking. On the first day of the program, an updated version of this document will be discussed openly with the students and will also need to be signed in the instructors presence. Those then will be collected by the instructor.

 

NOTE: All programs end by 5pm on the final day. The final day is always HAWAIIAN SHIRT DAY so do not forget to have one with you! If you wish to wear a grass skirt and coconut shells, that is pemitted as well (women only please!) We normally DO NOT get out early so plan on staying late the final day. We do not recommend driving on the final day as you will be tired. 

 

Personal gear -

Where and what time of year you attend your RTR program should influence your choice of clothing and footwear. Think about clothing for hot or cold temperatures and adverse weather such as wind and rain. Many RTR programs require short hikes and working around loose rocks and cactus; a good pair of work boots are essential. Other items to consider putting in your pack are: a sun brim for your helmet, sunscreen, work gloves, water bottles or a hydration system, personal first aid kit, note pad, headlamp, whistle and toilet paper. Remember, along with your personal gear, you may need to carry team gear also so make sure your backpack has extra room. If you are purchasing, see the next page

Technical personal gear -

At minimum, you need a climbing helmet and full body harness to participate in any RTR workshop (RTR seminars consist of lecture only and require no gear at all.) Each program requires specific equipment. Be sure to check the Required Equipment List for your program by following the link on the “Open Training” link on our Home page at www.ropesthatrescue.com.

Team gear -

In all Arizona RTR programs, team gear is supplied. In other workshops in the USA or Canada, team gear is supplied by the hosting agency. However, some programs, like the Mountain Rescue Workshop (MRW), are dependent on team gear that students need to bring to the course. Climbing rope and rock protection are examples of team gear.

BE READY! Personal Physical Condition:

It is our belief that persons involved in any form of rope rescue work should be in reasonable physical shape. Participants in RTR workshops should expect to remain physically active throughout the program and can expect these efforts to include (but are not limited to):

Many of the mountainous locations in RTR programs where we hold our practical sessions are far removed from the trail head and often involve a rigorous hike at elevations exceeding 5,000 feet. All hikes are less than a mile in length and on well-maintained trails.

Each place we offer an RTR program has differing lodging possibilities. Some offer discounts for RTR students. If you have several students from the same agency, or sharing to save costs, look at obtaining a vacation rental property. On the “Open” Enrollment Schedule there are links that send you to various different INFO sheets on the area with lodging recommendations. You may also contact the Program Liaison for info on lodging or camping.

A waiting list is kept in case of late cancellation prior to the required time. Notification of acceptance from the waiting list will be by phone call or your email, if you provide it on the RTR Application.

Adverse Weather:

All applicants are advised to bring foul weather gear to all Ropes That Rescue programs. Participants should be ready for all field conditions and are responsible for their own protection from weather or thermal-related insult or injury. Programs will not be canceled due to weather. Participants are advised to bring tire chains along for their vehicle when snow conditions might be present.

Natural Disasters or Terrorist Attacks (yes that's right):

Forced cancellations due to local or regional natural disasters (floods, forest fires, earthquake, volcanic activity, pandemic outbreak, etc.) or terrorist attacks (including pandemic outbreaks or germ warfare) are a risk everybody takes. ROPES THAT RESCUE, Ltd. assumes no liability for a particular program's untimely cancellation or disruption due to these uncontrolled events.