DEFRA Water Safety November 14-16 2025

Aim:

To enable students to further understand the issues and hazards associated in working on, near and in water and to undertake a suitable rescue response.

Course Content:

• Use of PFD / Life Jacket
• Throwline Characteristics
• Throwline Practical
• Swimming Skills Defensive and Aggressive swimming techniques
• Rescue from Water
• Limitations of Training
• Identification of hazards in the water environment
• Risk mitigation
• Hydrology: Still water & River
• Safety measures when working near water.
• Physiology effects of cold-water entry
• Physiology of drowning
• Emergency action planning
• Low risk rescue options
• Hierarchy of rescues
• Rescue equipment – throwbags, wading poles and reach rescue system.
• Aquatic PPE including drysuit user’s induction, lifejackets, and buoyancy aids.
• Wading – individual & group
• Flood environment considerations
• Co-worker rescues from the bank
• Accidental Immersion – Defensive & aggressive swimming in the event of an accidental immersion
• Health and welfare
• Medical considerations
• Contamination
• Scene management
• Hydrology and associated hazards
• Correct use of PPE
• Self-Rescue
• Use of rescue equipment including lines, reach poles.
• Movement in Shallow water
• Casualty Management
• Communication systems

Outcomes:

After successful completion of the course, the student will have a firm foundation of knowledge and skills and should be able to:

• Within a range of water environments, assess the influences and apply processes to establish suitable dynamic risk assessment.
• Interpret the impact of water flow, hazards such as stoppers, in-water obstacles, mud, ice, etc.
• Assess those at risk, risk areas and influence of environmental issues, temperature, wind, rainfall, hazmat, etc.
• Apply safe working practices and understand the issues surrounding choice and application of PPE, skills’ maintenance, and development issues.
• Analyse the issues of shallow water crossings, use of appropriate lines and evacuation procedures.

Accommodation:

Accommodation will be provided at Glenmore Lodge

Please note that an evening meal on Friday evening will not be provided.

Included is Saturday breakfast, lunch and dinner and Sunday breakfast and lunch.

The course and What to Bring:

All PPE kit will be provided with the exception of an old pair of boots.

Full details of the course will be sent out in advance of the course running.

Essentially it will run from 2000hrs on Friday through to late Sunday afternoon.