This course will cover Qualification Levels  1 (Aquatic Safety Principles) & 2 (Inland Waterways)

Prior Learning: None

Target Group:

- Teacher’s taking a school group around the water margins on a geography or biology fieldtrip.

- Environmental scientists carrying out water side research.

- Outdoor education providers and expedition leaders operating near water.

- Local Authority Officers supporting flood rescue operations.

- Health and safety officers who come into contact with water environments.

- Rangers managing country parks with water environments, delivering rock pooling or pond dipping exercise.

- Construction, rail and civil engineers and ground staff.

- Dock workers operating around the lock gates.

- Security staff working around water.

Level 1 – Aquatic Safety Principles (4hrs)

Introduction: The Level 1 core module, Aquatic Safety Principles, provides the underpinning knowledge for good water safety management practices and primary emergency rescue skills. Additional Level 1 modules include Aquatic Risk Management and Aquatic Rescue Equipment, which includes personal floatation devices, personal protective and rescue equipment. This module is aimed at both lone workers and activity group leaders operating around the water margins. Candidates will not enter the water at this level.

Content & Learning Outcomes:

- Understand the drowning process and risk factors for drowning.

- Identify open water hazards.

- Understand key legal requirements and duty of care.

- Apply risk management principles.

- Explain primary management procedures and emergency action plans.

- Explain the Principles of Rescue.

- Demonstrate practical land-based rescue skills.

Level 2 – Environment Specific Modules - Inland Waterways (3hrs)

Introduction: Level 2 suite of modules build on Level 1 focussing on specific environments, their unique risks and activity hazards as well as the use of specialist equipment. Level 2 modules can be entirely land based but can also provide the opportunity to engage in low level water-based rescues.

Core Content & Learning Outcomes:

- Identify, assess, and manage Open Water risks.

- Complete Open Water Risk Assessments

- Explain Open Water Safety Management practices.

- Develop skills to make informed water safety decisions when operating around the water margins.

- Demonstrate practical water-based rescue techniques.