Health & Safety

Classes include adult CPR with AED, Self-Defense and Safety Classes, and 2025 Wilderness Medicine Courses we host for the National Outdoor Leadership School.

Falling Safety: Reducing Risks of Injury from Falling

The UC Martial Arts Program, part of UC Berkeley Recreation and Wellbeing, is offering three class sessions this semester focused on reducing injury from falls. These classes adapt martial arts practices to help participants avoid falls and reduce injury risk through controlled movement.

Why It Matters
According to CDC analysis of public health data (2018–2024), falls are the leading cause of injury among adults aged 65 and older. These incidents are common, costly, and — importantly — preventable.

This class is open to all, but designed for people with higher risks of dangerous falls. This class is intended as a learning experience and not as a workout, and our classroom is equipped with soft mats to support the safe practice of controlled falling.

For class location information and important class details, we recommend you review our Falling Safety class overview.

Location: RSF 145 (Martial Arts Room) – enter from Bancroft Way entrance, not through RSF.

Price: $30.00

Dates	Day	Time	Action
November 23rd	Sunday	1:00pm – 2:30pm	REGISTER
December 2nd	Tuesday	11:00am – 12:30pm	REGISTER

Personal Safety Strategies for Women

Learn how to think strategically about personal safety, train your body to react instead of freeze, practice physical self-defense techniques, and transform fear into self-confidence in this hands-on workshop. Open to everyone who experiences life through the lens of a woman as well as non-binary and gender-nonconforming people who are at ease in a women-centered space. Comfortable workout clothing is recommended; bare feet required.

This offering is available for registration to UC Berkeley students only.

Price:

2-Class Session (two 1.5-hour sessions): $30 (UC Berkeley Students)

Location: RSF 145 (Martial Arts Room)

Dates – 2 class session (3 hours total)
December 2nd, December 4th	Tuesday / Thursday	12:00pm – 1:30pm	Register

Yongmudo Self-Defense

This classes are designed for students who wish to learn the basics of self-defense, including kicking, striking, falling, throwing, and joint lock techniques. Students will also practice general physical fitness training and mental discipline, and learn martial arts philosophy and culture. Our 4, 5 and 6-session classes will improve students’ coordination, balance, endurance, agility, flexibility, and overall fitness through the practice of Yongmudo, a Korean martial art designed for self-defense. Students will learn self-defense skills while also building confidence, discipline, concentration, and coping strategies.

Class	Days	Time	UC Berkeley Student Price	Non-Student Price	ACTION
Kicks & Strikes for Self Defense Sec. 1 Develop striking power and confidence through kicks and strikes on pads/bags	TUE/THU 9/25, 9/30, 10/2, 10/7	9:30am – 11:00am	$60	$100	REGISTER
Kicks & Strikes for Self Defense Sec. 2 Develop striking power and confidence through kicks and strikes on pads/bags	TUE/THU 10/9, 10/14, 10/16, 10/21	9:30am – 11:00am	$60	$100	REGISTER
Surviving on the Ground Sec. 1 Learn ground defenses, escapes, and how to safely get back on your feet.	TUE/THU 10/23, 10/28, 10/30, 11/4, 11/6	9:30am – 11:00am	$75	$125	REGISTER
Surviving on the Ground Sec. 2 Learn ground defenses, escapes, and how to safely get back on your feet.	TUE/THU 11/13, 11/18, 11/20, 11/25, 12/2	9:30am – 11:00am	$75	$125	REGISTER
Self-Defense Basics: Responding to Confrontation Sec. 1 Defend against grabs, pushes, strikes, strangles, and more	TUE/THU 9/2, 9/4, 9/9, 9/16, 9/18	8:00am – 9:30am	$90	$150	REGISTER
Self-Defense Basics: Responding to Confrontation Sec. 2 Defend against grabs, pushes, strikes, strangles, and more	TUE/THU 9/23, 9/25, 9/30, 10/2, 10/7, 10/9	8:00am – 9:30am	$90	$150	REGISTER
Self-Defense Basics: Responding to Confrontation Sec. 3 Defend against grabs, pushes, strikes, strangles, and more	TUE/THU 10/14, 10/16, 10/21, 10/23, 10/28, 10/30	11:00am-12:30pm	$90	$150	REGISTER
Self-Defense Basics: Responding to Confrontation Sec. 4 Defend against grabs, pushes, strikes, strangles, and more	TUE/THU 11/4, 11/6, 11/13, 11/18, 11/20, 11/25	11:00am-12:30pm	$90	$150	REGISTER

Adult and Pediatric First Aid, CPR & AED

The Adult and Pediatric First Aid, CPR & AED course incorporates the latest science and teaches students to recognize and care for a variety of first aid emergencies such as burns, cuts, scrapes, sudden illnesses, head, neck, back injuries, heat, and cold emergencies and how to respond to breathing and cardiac emergencies for victims of any age – adults (about 12 years and older) and pediatric (infants and children up to 12 years of age). Students who successfully complete this course will receive a digital certificate for Adult and Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED valid for two years.

This class follows the Blended Learning Format which consists of an online interactive learning course followed by an in-person skills session with one of our certified instructors. Any participant who does not fully complete the online course prior to the in-person skills session will not be permitted to participate in the in-person skills session and will not receive a certification.

Instructor: Tanya Schillinsky

Location: RSF 1st Floor Multimedia Room

Dates	Days	Time	Action	Member Price	Non-Member Price
TBD	TBD	2 hours (TBD)	Register for Adult and Pediatric First Aid	$TBD*	$TBD*

*If you need to cancel for any reason, we will retain a $20 cancellation fee.

Adult and Pediatric First Aid, CPR & AED – Group Course

If your organization is looking to certify a group of 6-12, you can request a custom class.

Wilderness First Responder Hybrid

This nationally recognized program trains participants to respond to emergencies in remote settings. Essential for anyone who spends a significant amount of time in remote places, the Wilderness First Responder (WFR) course will prepare you to make difficult medical decisions.

If you work or recreate in the outdoors or in other austere environments where access to medical care is delayed or communication is unreliable, our Wilderness First Responder course is for you. It is the industry standard for professional guides, trip leaders, search and rescue team members, outdoor recreationists, and international travelers.

The Hybrid WFR combines 3 modules of online learning with 5 days of in-person training. You’ll begin by completing work in an online platform that includes readings, videos and quizzes. Each module requires 10 to 15 hours to complete, and you’ll need to finish them before the in-person portion begins. The 5-day in-person course will focus on skills and scenarios.

Upon completion, you will be able to conduct a thorough physical exam, obtain a patient history, assess vital signs, provide emergency care in the wilderness, and make crucial evacuation decisions.

You’ll learn both in the classroom and in outdoor settings regardless of weather, so come prepared for wet, muddy, cold, or hot environments!

Participants must register on the NOLS website in order to receive the required pre-course materials.

Price: $940.00 per student

Dates	Days	Time	Action
SPRING 2026	Sunday- Thursday	8 a.m. – 5 p.m.	To Be Announced

Wilderness First Responder Recertification Hybrid

Are your wilderness medicine protocols on the tip of your tongue or in the bottom of your pack? Join the leader in wilderness medicine for a two-day scenario-based course to review evacuation and decision making guidelines. Our dynamic, experienced instructors will refresh you on current techniques, protocols, and controversies in the wilderness medicine field.

Hands-on, meet online. Enjoy our newly formatted Wilderness First Responder Recertification, which includes an online component in addition to the traditional scenarios and skills!

Pre-work allows you to review the curriculum at your own pace, and focus on the hands-on element during your two days on course. You’ll just need to complete all online components, including a written exam, prior to the course.

You’ll learn both in the classroom and in outdoor settings regardless of weather, so come prepared for wet, muddy, cold or hot environments!

Participants must register on the NOLS website in order to receive the required pre-course materials.

Price: $420.00 per student

Dates	Days	Time	Action
SPRING 2026	Sat – Sun	8 a.m. – 5 p.m.	Register through NOLS

Recertification Requirements
This course is the most popular recertification program in wilderness medicine and is ideal for current Wilderness First Responders and Wilderness EMTs. This course may be used to recertify a WFR certification. You are required to complete both written and practical testing to recertify on this WFR-Recertification course. To achieve a passing score (70%) on the written multiple-choice exam, you must review previous course materials. Please come prepared. Check the following web page for information and resources on how to best prepare for your course.

You must possess a current (unexpired) WFR certification of at least 70 hours to recertify through a WFR Recertification course. It is your responsibility to make sure your certification meets this standard. If you are unsure, please contact WMI before enrolling in a course and review the recertification portion of our website. WMI certifications will be afforded a one-year period after expiration within which to recertify. This course will also recertify those who hold a valid WEMT (wilderness portion only) or WAFA certification. If recertifying, you must submit a photocopy of your current certification card(s) on the first day of the course. We cannot issue you a new certification until we verify your previous training.

Wilderness First Aid

Prepare for the unexpected with this engaging, hands-on introduction to wilderness medicine, taught over two or two and a half days. If you like to take short trips relatively close to medical resources, work at wilderness camps, enjoy weekend family outdoor activities, or recreate outdoors, this course is for you.

This course is great for people of all experience levels, and is best suited for those who recreate outdoors where EMS response can be expected in a timely manner (fewer than eight hours). You’ll learn the Patient Assessment System, how to provide effective first aid treatments for injuries and illnesses common in the outdoors, and how to make appropriate evacuation decisions.

You’ll learn both in the classroom and in outdoor settings regardless of weather, so come prepared for wet, muddy, cold or hot environments!

Price: $380.00 per student

Dates	Days	Time	Action
SPRING 2026	Sat-Sun	8 a.m. – 5 p.m.	COMING SOON

Class Format

Check in is at 7:45 a.m. on the first day of the course. Course days run from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The class format is classroom lectures integrated with practical scenarios. Scenarios and practice sessions will take place both inside and outside. Bring outdoor clothing appropriate for lying on the potentially wet, snowy, and/or cold ground playing the role of both rescuer and patient. Frequently stage (moulage) blood and make-up are used to emphasize the reality of a scenario. The classroom environment generally lends itself to a pair of comfy shoes or slippers and a camp chair. Please come equipped with a light daypack, waterproof top and bottoms, light hiking boots, and layers well suited for spending time outside.

The Wilderness First Responder Course includes two evening sessions with a night scenario.

College Credit

Pre-Course: The WFA course is pre-approved for one semester hour credit through Western State Colorado University (WSCU) for an additional cost of $55. Thirty days prior to the WMI course, interested students must initiate registration and payment for credit by requesting an enrollment form for WSCU from WMI.

On-Course: The WFA course is pre-approved for one semester hour credit through the University of Utah for an additional cost of $95. If you are interested in receiving college credit, please inquire with your instructors on the first day of class for the necessary information.

Program Details

Location: Strawberry Canyon Recreation Area
If any of the above classes are full, please join waitlist in online store.

Program Registration Policies

Program Refund Policy (Effective Aug. 1, 2025)
All program withdrawal requests must be submitted via email to RecWell@berkeley.edu or through the Action Request Form.
- Refund requests received more than 3 business days before the program start date will be approved, minus a 15% administrative fee deducted from the program registration fee.
- No refunds will be issued within 3 business days of the program start date or after the program has begun. This policy is applicable to participants who registered within the 3 business day window.
- Refunds are processed Monday-Friday, 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m., excluding UC holidays. Requests submitted outside these hours will be reviewed the following business day.
  - Example: If your program starts on a Friday, Saturday, Sunday, or Monday before 9 a.m., your refund request must be submitted no later than 5:00 p.m. the Tuesday before.
- Please note: Wilderness First Aid (WFA) and Wilderness First Responder (WFR) courses are offered in partnership with NOLS and are subject to the NOLS cancellation policy, which requires a minimum of 15 days’ notice for any changes or refunds. The Wilderness Medicine Course is also not eligible for RecWell’s standard refund or transfer policies, and it requires 15 days' notice for requests due to administrative processes with our external partner.
Transfers
Transfer requests must be submitted via email to RecWell@berkeley.edu or through the Action Request Form at least 3 business days before the program start date.

Please note: Some programs may be ineligible for transfer due to program age restrictions, certification requirements, waiver acceptance limitations, enrollment capacity, or other reasons. We recommend reviewing eligibility requirements before submitting a request.

Fee and Pricing Policies for Transfers
Transfers to a program of equal value will incur no additional fee. Transfers to a program of greater value require payment of the difference at the time of the transfer. Transfers to a program of lesser value are subject to a 15% processing fee for the any refund.

Late Transfers
Transfer requests submitted less than 3 business days before the program start date are not guaranteed and will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis by the Customer Service Supervisor, Program Manager, or their designee. Late transfers may be subject to a 15% processing fee, or approved only as account credit to be processed by the Customer Service Center staff for future enrollments. No transfers will be approved after the course has begun, except in the cases of skill level misplacement identified by the instructor.
Program Payment
For questions regarding enrollment or purchases, contact us at RecWell@berkeley.edu

Payment

Eligible customers may register for programs through our online platform or in person at the Customer Service Center. Full payment is required at the time of registration. Participants must accept the RecWell Waiver at the time of purchase to participate in RecWell programs and access RecWell facilities.

Enrolled participants who request to transfer a registration payment from the original payment method to another credit or debit card will be charged a 15% processing fee.

Price Adjustments
- Students: Each academic year, students must accept the RecWell Waiver in CalCentral before their student RecWell membership is imported into our system, typically within 1-2 days. Students may request one retroactive price adjustment per academic year if they paid the non-student rate before their membership imported. The request may be submitted up to 3 business days after the program start date. This applies to most programs, including Adventures offerings, as long as there were no separate student and non-student listings.
  - Note: Some Adventures programs have separate listings for student and non-student participants. If the student-rate listing is full and you register for the non-student offering instead, no refund or price adjustment will be offered. Please confirm your membership status before registering.
- Non-students: Please confirm your membership status before registering. The rate paid at the time of purchase is final and cannot be adjusted.
Class Minimums
All programs will need to meet a minimum number of participants at least 72 hours before they begin. If an offering does not reach that number, it may be canceled. This approach helps us ensure a high-quality experience for all participants and allows our team to plan effectively.

If a class is canceled, we will update the website and notify affected patrons via email with options in advance of the program start date.
Waitlists
Most of our programs offer a waitlist option. When a program is full, click the registration link and follow the prompts to join the waitlist. If a spot becomes available, the Customer Service team will email the next person on the waitlist with a deadline to accept and pay. Openings not claimed by the deadline will be offered to the next person on the list.

Last-Minute Openings

If a program is scheduled to begin within 3 business days, the Customer Service team may reach out to everyone on the waitlist to gauge interest for a last-minute opening. The spot will be offered to the person closest to the top of the waitlist who responds and confirms interest by the stated deadline.
Attendance and Missed Classes
Please review program dates carefully before enrolling. Program fees are not prorated or adjusted for missed classes. Credits or make-up classes will not be provided for classes missed or non-attendance.

Full attendance is essential for participant success and may be required to complete the program or qualify for sequenced offerings (e.g., Sailing 1-A to Sailing 1-B). In some cases, tardiness or absences may pose a safety risk, as instructors are unable to provide individualized instruction for missed content in a group setting. For safety reasons, the Instructor and Program Manager reserve the right to remove participants from the program without a refund if attendance requirements are not met.