Sweetwater operate in a diverse range of white water environments including isolated regions. This provides a unique insight into the field of advanced safety and rescue. Our wealth of knowledge allows us to deliver the BCU safety and rescue courses covering all aspects of safety and rescue techniques required to prevent and deal with emergency situations in a range of environments. Each course utilises scenario based training and is specifically designed to meet the needs of the paddler’s ability in either kayak or canoe .
Foundation Safety and Rescue Training (FSRT)
This 1 day course provides paddlers with the key safety and rescue skills required to operate safely in a sheltered water environment and to be able to deal with common emergencies.
Learning outcomes:
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Familiarisation with essential safety equipment and its use.
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Assessing risk and applying safety and rescue protocols.
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Effective group management and communication.
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Bank and boat based rescue techniques
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Rescue techniques for unconscious or entrapped paddlers.
Further Information » FSRT Synopsis PDF
Pre-requisites: The ability to swim confidently, 2 star award or equivalent level of ability and age 14 and over
White Water Safety and Rescue
The 2 days course covers safe paddling on grade 2/3 white water and is suitable for kayak or canoe. You will learn the correct use of throw lines and chest harnesses, safe swimming and lots of techniques to sort out the problems encountered on a river trip. This course is a pre-requisite for the 4 star white water leader award and UKCC white water coach awards.
Learning Outcomes:
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Knowledge of the white water environment and assessing risk.
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Familiarisation with safety and rescue equipment and its appropriate uses.
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Incident management and communication in emergency situation.
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Personal survival and dealing with potential tricky situations.
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Safety and rescue techniques used to deal with casualties and equipment recovery.
Further Information » WWSR Synopsis PDF
Pre-requisites: The ability to paddle and swim confidently on grade 2, age 16 and over.
Advanced White Water Safety and Rescue
A course designed for the trainee 5 star leader to cover safety and supervision of groups in advanced environments. Including training on steep bank security, recovery of boats, First aid considerations, incident managment and advanced rope work, the course enables the trainee leader to progress to assessment knowing they have the skills to supervise a group both on and off the water.
Learning Outcomes:
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To improve individuals awareness of safety skills in the advanced river environment.
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To further develop personal survival skills.
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To develop and practice advanced rescue techniques.
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To develop and practice the need for structure in advanced emergency situations.
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To outline advanced rescue protocols that prioritise the safety of the individual above all others
Further Information » WWSR Advanced Synopsis PDF
Pre-requisites: 5 star skills and leadership training. BCU White Water Safety and Rescue Course.
