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Rescue 3

Swiftwater Rescue Technician (Defra Mod 3) Training Course

Swiftwater Rescue Technician (Defra Mod 3) Training Course

Course type:

Emergency Service & Water Rescue Team Courses

Description:

The Swiftwater and Flood Rescue Technician (SRT) course complies with Defra Module 3 content requirements and, for many years, has been seen as the benchmark training course for swiftwater and flood rescue teams. This training course is intended for personnel who may be required to carry out rescues in a swiftwater and flood environment, including emergency services personnel and mountain rescue teams.

Course content includes:

Theory

  • Rescue 3 philosophy
  • Training standards
  • Best practice guidelines for water rescue
  • Hydrology and water hazards
  • Floodwater dynamics and hazards
  • Flood theory
  • Personal equipment
  • Technical and team equipment
  • Pre-planning
  • Risk assessments
  • Incident size-up
  • Incident management and site control
  • Medical and decontamination considerations
  • Considerations for night/poor visibility operations
  • Mud, ice and unstable surface considerations
  • Introduction to searching rivers and floods
  • Helicopter familiarisation
  • Communications
  • Weir (low head dam) rescue considerations
  • Introduction to rescues from vehicles in water
  • Animal rescue considerations

Practical

  • Swiftwater swimming techniques
  • Strainer swim
  • Conditional rescues – talk, reach, throw
  • Shallow water techniques
  • Tethered boat techniques
  • Tensioned diagonals
  • Line crossing methods
  • Belay systems
  • True rescues – tethered
  • People and equipment entrapments
  • Casualty management
  • Knots and anchor systems
  • Tensioning systems and mechanical advantages
  • Inflated fire hose (if used by agency)
  • Introduction to paddle boat handling (if used by agency)
  • Boat unwrapping (if used by agency)
  • Flips and rights (if used by agency)

Need something different?

Any of our Rescue 3 training courses can be delivered at your preferred location and tailored to meet your organisation's operational requirements. Contact us to discuss your requirements →

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Our Locations

  • Cumbria

    We deliver specialist water rescue training across the Lake District and North West. Our local knowledge, extensive operational experience and realistic training environments provide practical, high-quality courses for emergency services and industry alike.

    Cumbria Courses 

  • Scotland

    Our Scotland training courses take advantage of some of the UK's most challenging rivers, lochs and flood environments. We deliver specialist water rescue training throughout Scotland, bringing expert instruction directly to your team or chosen location.

    Scotland Courses 

  • UK-Wide

    We deliver bespoke water rescue training throughout the UK, travelling to your site or preferred venue. From emergency services and industrial clients to television, film and event safety support, we provide tailored training and specialist water safety services nationwide.

    Wales & UK Courses