Northwest River Supplies (NRS)
Aquatic Gear, Rafts, Apparel, & Safety Equipment
Northwest River Supplies (NRS) designs and manufactures specialized search and rescue gear, technical apparel, and water safety equipment built for professional responders operating in demanding river and flood environments. Trusted by rescue teams worldwide, NRS products are engineered for durability, mobility, and reliable performance when lives are on the line.
Northwest River Supplies (NRS) is trusted by search and rescue teams and first responders operating in demanding river, flood, and swiftwater rescue environments.
NRS equips law enforcement teams with durable, mission-ready water rescue gear and technical apparel designed for rapid response, safety, and performance in high-risk environments.
Search and rescue teams rely on NRS swiftwater rescue gear and technical apparel to perform safe, effective rescues in fast-moving water and challenging environments.
Fire departments use NRS swiftwater rescue gear and technical apparel to safely perform water rescues, flood response, and emergency operations in demanding conditions.
Military units use NRS water operations gear and technical apparel to support training, rescue, and mission-critical tasks in challenging maritime and river environments.
Mission-Ready Rescue Gear Trusted by Elite Teams When Every Second and Every Life Counts
Northwest River Supplies (NRS) is a leader in high performance water safety gear and technical apparel built for the world’s most demanding environments. Driven by innovation and proven in the field NRS designs equipment that delivers durability mobility and confidence on rivers floodwaters and open water when performance truly matters.
From swiftwater rescue to tactical water operations search and rescue teams fire departments law enforcement and military units trust NRS to help them respond fast and operate safely. When conditions are unpredictable and lives are on the line professionals rely on NRS gear to get the job done.
NRS X-Sled 115 Rescue Boat
Built for Speed, Trusted for Rescue
- Fast, agile response in swiftwater
- Stable platform for rescues
- Tough, rescue-ready construction
- Quick deployment and control
- Designed to accommodate two rescuers and one victim but can easily float 4–5 people.
- The X-Sled can be paddled, towed or lowered where it’s needed most.
- Heavy-duty material covers the 10" tubes and 4" drop-stitch deck to shrug off encounters with rocks and handle the wear and tear of high-intensity rescue efforts.
- The drop-stitch deck inflates to 8–10 psi, giving the sled super rigid performance.
- Two side chambers and the drop-stitch deck keep you afloat in the event of a puncture.
- 16 handles give lots of options for carrying the sled and for attaching rescue equipment.
- Six handles on the back deck are placed in a “ladder pattern” for ease of climbing on-board.
- D-rings are on large surface-area patches to handle the load strain of towing and lowering.
- Textured foam deck pads help the crew stay anchored in rough conditions.
- The high bow kick lets the X-Sled rise up and over waves and ice ledges.
- Hi-vis color and logos stand out on the water, and alert casualties and the public to your mission.
- Top-quality Leafield inflation and pressure relief valves ensure trouble-free performance.
- Includes the NRS Super 2 HP Pump and repair kit.
NRS Rescue Board
Inflatable Rescue Board
The NRS Rescue Board delivers fast, reliable performance for swiftwater and flood response. Lightweight, buoyant, and highly maneuverable, it allows rescuers to reach victims quickly, maintain control in moving water, and execute secure pickups with confidence in high-risk, time-critical rescue operations across demanding environments worldwide when seconds matter most always.
NRS Extreme SAR GORE-TEX Dry Suit
Search & Rescue Dry Suit
The NRS Extreme SAR GORE-TEX Dry Suit is built for professional search and rescue operations in cold, hazardous conditions. Waterproof, breathable, and exceptionally durable, it keeps responders dry and mobile while allowing full range of motion, all-day comfort, and reliable protection during prolonged, high-risk water rescue missions.
NRS Rapid Rescuer PFD
SAR Personal Floatation Device
The NRS Rapid Rescuer PFD is purpose-built for swiftwater professionals. Low-profile and highly buoyant, it provides maximum mobility, secure fit, and quick-access features that support rope work, swimming, and rescue operations, helping responders stay agile, protected, and ready in fast-moving, high-risk water environments.
NRS Pro Rescue Throw Bag
SAR Throw Bag
The NRS Pro Rescue Throw Bag is designed for dependable performance in swiftwater rescue situations. Durable construction, high-visibility rope, and a reliable, easy-to-throw design help rescuers make accurate throws, establish quick connections, and perform effective rescues when precision and speed are critical.
NRS Tactyl Helmet
Search and Rescue Helmet
The NRS Tactyl Helmet delivers reliable head protection for search and rescue professionals operating in dynamic water environments. Lightweight and impact-resistant, it offers a secure, comfortable fit and excellent coverage, helping rescuers stay protected, focused, and confident during swiftwater, flood, and technical rescue operations.
NRS Pilot Knife
Swiftwater Rescue Knife
The NRS Pilot Knife is a trusted tool for swiftwater and rescue professionals. Compact and corrosion-resistant, it features a sharp, easy-access blade designed to cut rope and webbing quickly, giving rescuers a dependable, one-handed solution when fast, decisive action is required in emergency situations.
What is swiftwater rescue equipment, and who is it designed for?
Swiftwater rescue equipment is specialized gear designed for safely operating in moving water. It’s built for search and rescue teams, fire departments, law enforcement, guides, and trained professionals responding to river, flood, and water emergencies.
What certifications or standards does NRS rescue gear meet?
Many NRS rescue products meet or exceed industry-recognized standards, including NFPA and USCG approvals where applicable. Specific certifications vary by product and are clearly listed on individual product pages.
How do I choose the right swiftwater rescue PFD for my team?
Choosing the right PFD depends on water conditions, rescue techniques, and user fit. NRS rescue PFDs are designed with high flotation, secure harness systems, and rescue-specific features to support swimming, rope work, and technical operations.
What’s the difference between recreational and professional rescue equipment?
Professional rescue equipment is built for repeated use in extreme conditions. It offers higher durability, advanced safety features, and designs tailored for rescue scenarios, unlike recreational gear intended for casual or occasional use.
Is NRS rescue gear suitable for flood and urban rescue operations?
Yes. NRS swiftwater rescue equipment is widely used in flood response and urban environments, providing the durability, visibility, and performance needed for unpredictable, debris-filled water conditions.
How durable is NRS equipment in extreme and high-risk environments?
NRS rescue gear is engineered for demanding use, featuring rugged materials, reinforced construction, and field-proven designs trusted by professional responders in harsh and time-critical situations.
What training is recommended before using swiftwater rescue equipment?
NRS strongly recommends formal swiftwater rescue training from a qualified instructor. Proper training ensures rescuers understand water dynamics, equipment use, and safety protocols before entering high-risk environments.
How do I properly maintain and inspect rescue gear for safety?
Regular inspection, proper cleaning, and correct storage are essential. NRS provides care and maintenance guidelines to help extend gear life and ensure equipment remains reliable and ready for deployment.
Can NRS rescue equipment be used by fire departments and SAR teams?
Absolutely. NRS rescue gear is trusted by fire departments, search and rescue teams, and public safety agencies worldwide for professional water rescue operations.
What gear is essential for a basic swiftwater rescue kit?
A basic kit typically includes a rescue PFD, helmet, throw bag, knife, and thermal protection such as a dry suit. Additional equipment may be added based on team protocols and rescue environments.