Inland Open Water Safety and Rescue

Paddle UK Inland Open Water Safety and Rescue Course

Is the Inland Open Water Safety and Rescue course for you? Would you like to:

  • Gain the skills to stay out of trouble on the Inland Open Water?
  • Learn practical solutions if you get into difficulty?
  • Learn the tools to solve common paddling issues in both sheltered and moderate open conditions?

Then the Inland Open Water Safety and Rescue course is for you!

This course will support you to explore and practice simple strategies and safe skills that provide you with the tools to solve common paddling issues, in both sheltered and moderate conditions, providing peace of mind when venturing out.

This course is open to anyone of any age.

What’s it all about?

First of all, this award is all about keeping safe in your craft on the inland open water, suitable craft include kayaks, canoes, sit on tops and Stand Up Paddleboards. So, whether you are paddling with friends or your club, or working towards a leadership assessment, this practical course is packed with safe practical solutions. It doesn’t matter about your age or whether you’re relatively new to paddling on inland open waterways, this course supports your knowledge and raises your awareness of your personal safety.

If you needed any more convincing, the course is completely based around training and raising awareness, with no assessment. Structured to support you, our experienced tutors will ensure you have plenty of time practicing, as well as understanding how you can develop skills and experience after the course.

The course takes around 6 hours and will cover 7 modules:

  • Safety frameworks
  • Clothing and equipment
  • Providing assistance
  • Self-rescues
  • Deep water rescues
  • Rescue scenarios
  • Reflection and skills checklist

There will be opportunities to develop and progress your rescue skills and meet like-minded people during the course. Many of our course candidates develop long lasting friendships, connections and contacts.

To get the most out of your course, we would recommend holding an appropriate personal performance award, for example the Open Water Touring Award or Progressive Canoe Award  or equivalent ability, due to the paddling environment and the boat control required to participate fully in the course.

We definitely recommend bring and using your own equipment, but we can supply the craft if required. There is a lot of time spent in the water, we do have wetsuits and drysuits available for hire if needed.

Contact Us For booking

Course dates and Venues