Rescue 3 - Swiftwater and Flood Rescue Technician
  • Plas y Brenin
  • 4 Days
  • 8 People to 1 instructor

Rescue 3 - Swiftwater and Flood Rescue Technician

  • Paddle
  • -1
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Overview

This four-day programme provides comprehensive training in the principles and practical skills required for swiftwater and flood rescue operations. Participants will gain an understanding of water behaviour, hazard awareness, rescue planning, and incident management, alongside hands-on rescue techniques used in real operational scenarios. Note: this course will need to be revalidated every 3 years.

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The Objectives

This course is suitable for personnel who may be required to carry out rescues in moving water or flood situations, including: Emergency service personnel Mountain Rescue teams Search and rescue organisations Flood response and specialist rescue teams By the end of the course, participants will be able to: Understand hydrology, flood dynamics, and water hazards Apply safe working practices and Rescue 3 principles Conduct dynamic risk assessments and incident size-ups Operate effectively as part of a rescue team Perform conditional and true rescues in swiftwater environments Manage casualties safely within water rescue incident

Itinerary

* Please note: Itinerary is subject to weather and availability.

The course combines classroom learning with extensive practical training in and around moving water. Topics and practical sessions include: Water rescue philosophy, standards, and best practice Risk assessment, pre-planning, and incident management Personal and technical rescue equipment Swiftwater swimming and self-rescue techniques Talk, reach, throw and tethered rescue methods Line systems, belays, anchors, and mechanical advantage systems Casualty management and medical considerations Searching rivers and flood environments Vehicle and animal rescue considerations Operations in low visibility or challenging conditions Helicopter awareness and communications Additional modules may include paddle boat handling, boat recovery techniques, and specialised agency equipment where applicable


Experience Required

Participants must be confident swimmers Minimum age: 18 years No previous swiftwater rescue qualification is required, although operational experience within a response organisation is beneficial To get the most from the course, participants should: Arrive prepared for physically demanding outdoor training Bring suitable personal clothing for working in wet and variable weather conditions Be ready to work as part of a team in realistic rescue scenarios

Available Course Dates

Start the booking process by selecting a course date, then adjust your details to suit your requirements.

Course Start Date
Duration
Cost*
Course Start Date
14th September, 2026
Duration
4 Days
Cost*
Non-Residential:
£550.00
Residential:
£900.00

*If your course is based at Plas Y Brenin, Capel Curig, residential prices include catering from the morning of your course start date and cover the duration of your course, accommodation starts on the night before your course commences to the morning of the last day of your booking.

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