Very realistic.

Training takes place in natural water environments using realistic operational scenarios that develop technical rescue skills, teamwork, leadership and decision-making under pressure.

Yes. Rescue 3 qualifications are widely used by Fire and Rescue Services, specialist rescue teams, government agencies and emergency response organisations throughout the UK and internationally.

Defra Module 1 provides water and flood awareness training for personnel who may encounter flooding or water-related incidents but are not expected to enter the water. It develops hazard awareness, safe working practices and an understanding of flood response principles.

Defra Module 2 (Swiftwater and Flood First Responder) prepares emergency responders to operate safely at the water's edge and undertake limited rescue operations without becoming full rescue technicians.

Defra Module 3 develops the knowledge and practical skills required to become a Swiftwater Rescue Technician. Delegates learn advanced rescue techniques, moving water operations, casualty rescue and incident management.

Swiftwater and Flood First Responder (SFR) is designed for personnel operating primarily from the bank or within shallow water.

Swiftwater Rescue Technician (SRT) is intended for responders entering moving water to undertake technical rescue operations and therefore includes significantly more advanced practical skills and rescue techniques.

The course is suitable for operational personnel including:

• Fire and Rescue Services
• Mountain Rescue Teams
• Lowland Rescue Teams
• Search and Rescue organisations
• HM Coastguard
• Police
• Ambulance Services
• Defence organisations
• Specialist rescue teams

It is designed for responders who may be expected to enter moving water as part of their operational role.

The Rescue 3 Swiftwater Rescue Technician (SRT) course is the internationally recognised standard for emergency responders who may be required to enter moving water to rescue people, animals or recover property. It develops the practical skills, judgement and decision-making required to operate safely in swiftwater and flood environments.

Our emergency services courses are designed for professional and volunteer responders who may be required to operate safely in, on or around water. This includes Fire & Rescue Services, Police, Ambulance Services, HM Coastguard, Mountain Rescue, Lowland Rescue, Search and Rescue teams, military personnel and other emergency response organisations.

The most suitable course depends on your operational role and expected level of response.

• Water Awareness – for personnel who may encounter water-related incidents.
• First Responder (Defra Module 2) – for responders operating at the water's edge and wading.
• Swiftwater Rescue Technician (Defra Module 3) – for specialist rescue teams entering moving water.
• Advanced Swiftwater Rescue Technician – for experienced technicians developing advanced rescue skills, gateway programme for Instructor training.
• Instructor Courses – for organisations wishing to deliver Rescue 3 training internally.

If you're unsure, we'll be happy to discuss your operational requirements and recommend the most appropriate pathway.

Yes.

All our courses are delivered under the Rescue 3 framework and lead to internationally recognised Rescue 3 certification, provided that delegates successfully complete the required practical and theoretical assessments.

Yes.

Our flood and swiftwater rescue programmes are aligned with the relevant Defra national flood rescue guidance and are delivered using current Rescue 3 standards.

Very much so.

Emergency response training is built around realistic operational scenarios. Delegates spend significant time developing practical rescue skills, incident management, casualty care and team communication in a controlled but realistic environment.

Not always.

Entry requirements vary depending on the course.

Some introductory courses require no previous experience, while technician and instructor programmes require prior qualifications or operational experience. We'll advise you of any prerequisites when you book.

Water rescue training is physically demanding.

Delegates should be medically fit for strenuous outdoor activity, be comfortable working in challenging environments and be capable of safely participating in practical
rescue exercises.

A reasonable level of water confidence is required for most of our emergency services programmes.

Technician-level courses involve working in moving water, swimming in PPE and undertaking practical rescue scenarios. Specific swimming requirements vary between qualifications and will be outlined before the course.

We can provide all specialist rescue equipment required for training, including:

• Drysuits
• Helmets
• Buoyancy aids
• Throw bags
• Boots
• Gloves
• Rescue hardware
• Specialist technical equipment

Delegates only need to bring suitable clothing and personal items as detailed in the joining instructions.

Yes.

Many emergency service organisations choose to host courses at their own training facilities or suitable local water sites. We also deliver courses at established training venues throughout the UK.

Training at your own location allows scenarios to reflect your operational environment and procedures.

Absolutely.

Every organisation faces different challenges. We regularly adapt scenarios for urban flooding, inland water rescue, coastal incidents, reservoir operations, technical rescue teams and multi-agency interoperability exercises.

Course numbers are kept well within Rescue 3 instructor-to-student ratios to ensure safe, high-quality training.

For larger organisations, we can provide multiple instructors and run concurrent courses.

Most courses have a minimum number of 4 participants, max 8 per instructor.

Yes.

Most accredited courses include continuous practical assessment together with knowledge checks throughout the programme.

Successful delegates receive the relevant certification on completion.

Certification periods depend on the qualification.

Most Rescue 3 certifications require periodic revalidation to ensure skills remain current and operationally effective.

Yes.

We deliver refresher and revalidation courses to help organisations maintain competence and keep personnel qualified in accordance with Rescue 3 requirements.