Water Rescue Technician – Module 3

This training course is intended for those who will be required to carry out rescues in a moving water or flood environment – Emergency Services personnel, Mountain Rescue Teams etc.

Historically, Swiftwater Rescue courses have placed emphasis on whitewater river environments (typically Grade 2 or above).  We can tailor training to any water environment; river, flood, lake/reservoir, tidal estuarine or coastal.

The course is based on the philosophy of self-protection and application of low to high risk solutions.

This course is designed to meet the requirements for the technician level NFPA 1670 Standard on Operations and Training for Technical Rescue Incidents and the NFPA 1006 Standard for Rescue Technician Professional Qualifications in the area of water.  This course satisfies the criteria of DEFRA Water Safety And Rescue Guidelines for Module 3 – Water Rescue Technician.

It is an intensive 3 or 4 day programme:   It has half a day of classroom instruction followed by three and a half days developing and practicing water rescue skills.  The initial emphasis is on self-rescue skills while other objectives include an in-depth look at such subjects as water dynamics, handling hazards and obstacles, using basic rescue equipment, setting up technical rope systems, controlling in-water contact rescues, and much more.

Information from this course is applicable to anyone confronted with potential water rescue, as well as the possibility of self-rescue.

Scope of the Course

The emphasis throughout this course is on attempting low and high risk rescues supported by a second backup plan should a more technical solution be required.

The course will be a mixture of theory and practical sessions; the emphasis however will be on gaining enough practical experience to feel confident in and around this environment.  The initial emphasis is on developing safety awareness and self rescue skills.

Other subjects include:

• Understanding water dynamics.
• Identifying and handling hazards and obstacles.
• Using basic rescue equipment & setting up rope systems.
• Controlling in-water contact rescues.

By the end of this course participants will know their strengths and limitations, and be useful members of a swift water rescue team.

Learning Outcomes

After successful completion of the course, candidates will be able to:

• Identify and apply suitable dynamic risk assessment.
• Interpret the impact of water flow and hydrology.
• Use ropes and lines to perform a variety of rescue operations.
• Apply rescue swimming skills in a variety of situations.
• Achieve both low and high risk rescues.
• Be able to self rescue.

Course content

This is a 3 or 4 day course designed to provide you with the necessary skills to perform rescues in a swiftwater & flood environment.  It is both classroom and river-based and will include:

• Hydrology
• Introduction to technical rescue equipment
• Hazard identification & risk assessment
• Introduction to rope systems
• Swimming in moving water
• Medical considerations
• Basic boat-handling skills
• Scene management
• Contact and in-water rescues
• Basic incident command
• Crossing techniques
• Search Operations
• Flat water boat handling

The course involves a lot of water-based work so please come prepared!

Pre-requisites for Attending the Course

Confident swimming in moving water

Prices

3 Day - £264.00 ( or £325.00 with Rescue 3 certification) per person for groups of 6 - 12.

4 Day with additional boat skills - £324.00 ( or £385.00 with Rescue 3 certification) per person for groups of 6 - 12.

Residential courses can be arranged at cost.  Please contact us for more details or bespoke training requests.