This course develops responders to the Swiftwater Rescue Technician (SRT) level under the DEFRA Flood Rescue Concept of Operations.
It prepares personnel who may be required to enter moving water to perform rescues using specialist techniques and equipment. The training focuses on working safely in dynamic environments such as rivers, floodwater and fast-flowing channels.
Module 3 represents the advanced technician level within the DEFRA flood rescue training framework, building on the awareness and first responder capabilities delivered in earlier modules.
Who should attend?
Personnel who may be required to enter moving water to perform rescues. Specialist teams developing technical water rescue capability. Emergency services, rescue teams and volunteer organisations. Flood response teams, search and rescue organisations and water rescue units.
What the course covers
The course combines classroom learning with extensive practical training in moving water environments.
• Hydrology and water dynamics including currents, hydraulics and river hazards
• Defensive and aggressive swimming in moving water
• Dynamic risk assessment for swiftwater rescue operations
• Self-rescue and escape techniques
• Rescue planning and incident management
• Throwline rescues and advanced rope-based rescue techniques
• Personal protective equipment and rescue equipment selection
• Contact rescues and in-water casualty handling
• Rope systems, anchors and mechanical advantage systems
• Tensioned diagonal rope systems
• Team roles and communications during rescue incidents
• Boat and inflatable craft handling in moving water
• Cold water immersion and casualty care
• Scenario-based swiftwater rescue exercises
Learning outcomes
By the end of the course delegates will be able to:
Identify hazards associated with swiftwater and flood environments.
Demonstrate advanced self-rescue and swimming techniques in moving water.
Deploy ropes and mechanical systems to assist rescue operations.
Conduct in-water rescues using recognised swiftwater rescue techniques.
Operate safely as part of a coordinated flood rescue team.
Course details
More details coming soon.
Duration: Typically 4 days (classroom and practical training)
Age requirement: 18+
Validity: Certification typically valid for 3 years
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