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Water Rescue Training

With climate-related conditions changing rapidly and flood warnings becoming increasingly frequent across the UK, high-quality water rescue training is now essential for organisations responsible for public safety, site operations, and emergency preparedness.

At Fire & Evacuation Services, our water rescue training is delivered by experienced operational instructors, including emergency responders, Search and Rescue specialists, and fire and rescue crews with real-world experience in water, flood, and open water rescues.

Whether you need Water Awareness, First Responder / Wader, or Specialist Water Rescue courses, our programmes align with DEFRA guidance, the Flood Rescue Concept of Operations, NFCC frameworks, and the requirements of modern rescue teams working across rivers, canals, reservoirs, docks, surface water systems, and high-risk industrial sites.

Book Your Water Rescue Training Today

Personnel on the ground in 4 hours
Site Assessment
Establish Site Specific Risk Inspection
Establish Risk Matrix
Develop Fire Emergency Evacuation Plan
Establish ERP
Liaise with local Fire Station
Risk Assessment reviewed
Significant findings considered
Patrol and Reporting established

What Is Water Rescue Training?

Water rescue training prepares staff and responders to work safely in, on, or near water, and to carry out rescues or support operations during flooding or water-related incidents.

In the UK, water rescue capability is guided by DEFRA’s Flood Rescue Concept of Operations (FRCO), which sets out national standards for team roles, training, and equipment. Our courses align with these standards to ensure interoperability with emergency services.

A professional water rescue training programme enables participants to:

Recognise water and flood hazards such as fast water, hidden currents, contamination, and cold-water shock
Apply safe systems of work when operating near rivers, canals, lakes, reservoirs, docks, or floodwater
Use “reach, throw, wade, row” rescue principles and basic technical rescue skills
Correctly use and maintain lifejackets, buoyancy aids, throwlines, and other water safety equipment
Work effectively alongside Fire & Rescue Services and other agencies during major flood incidents

Our Water Rescue Training Course Levels at Fire & Evacuation Services

At Fire & Evacuation Services, we provide a tiered training structure designed to meet the needs of organisations with varying levels of water risk. Each water rescue training course aligns with national guidance and equips staff with the skills and confidence required for their role.

Level 1

Water Awareness

Ideal for staff who work near water or may encounter floodwater during normal operations. This introductory course covers:

Key water and flood hazards
Safe systems of work
Personal protective equipment (PPE)
Emergency procedures and incident reporting

Level 2

First Responder / Wader

Designed for personnel who may need to enter shallow, moving water in a controlled environment. This course includes:

Practical wading techniques
Hazard recognition and dynamic risk assessment
Use of throwlines and simple rescue methods
Supporting evacuations and protecting critical assets

Level 3

Specialist Water Rescue

A comprehensive programme for teams undertaking in-water operations. This course includes:

Boat-based rescues and casualty handling
Night operations and low-visibility searches
Complex rescues and multi-agency coordination

Our Water Rescue Training Course Levels at Fire & Evacuation Services

Level 1

Water Awareness

Ideal for staff who work near water or may encounter floodwater during normal operations. This introductory course covers:

Key water and flood hazards
Safe systems of work
Personal protective equipment (PPE)
Emergency procedures and incident reporting

Level 2

First Responder / Wader

Designed for personnel who may need to enter shallow, moving water in a controlled environment. This course includes:

Practical wading techniques
Hazard recognition and dynamic risk assessment
Use of throwlines and simple rescue methods
Supporting evacuations and protecting critical assets

Level 3

Specialist Water Rescue

A comprehensive programme for teams undertaking in-water operations. This course includes:

Boat-based rescues and casualty handling
Night operations and low-visibility searches
Complex rescues and multi-agency coordination

Who benefits from a fire warden training course

Designated Fire Wardens. Anyone who has been appointed to take on the role of a fire warden within their workplace.
Managers and Supervisors. As a manager, you are responsible for overseeing fire safety and emergency procedures within their teams or departments, therefore it is crucial that you understand what to do in the event of a fire.
Safety Officers. Understanding fire safety is an important part of the role of professionals who are dedicated to enhancing workplace safety and compliance.
Health and Safety Personnel. Individuals whose roles are focused on maintaining and improving overall workplace safety need to be aware of efficient fire safety responses.
Business Owners. Those with a vested interest in ensuring the well-being of their employees and visitors should show a proactive approach in maintaining safety.
Employees and Staff. All team members can benefit from a basic understanding of fire safety, especially in emergency situations.

Book in your fire warden training course

Who Can Water Rescue Training Benefit?

Although traditionally associated with Fire & Rescue Services, many sectors now face increasing flood exposure and can significantly benefit from structured water safety or water rescue training. Our courses are suitable for:

Local authorities & housing associations - Staff involved in community flood plans, vulnerable person checks, sandbag deployment, and rest centre management.
Industrial, logistics & warehousing sites - Especially those located near rivers, coastal areas, or drainage channels.
Utilities & critical infrastructure providers - Field operatives accessing pumping stations, substations, treatment works, and trackside assets during adverse conditions.
Construction & civil engineering companies - Personnel working around bridges, culverts, flood defences, canals, or river structures.
Education, leisure & tourism settings - Schools, recreational water providers, marinas, holiday parks, and visitor sites in flood-prone areas.
Security, facilities & estate management teams - Staff who are often first on scene when water levels rise unexpectedly.
Voluntary & community flood groups - Community responders supporting local preparedness and welfare during flood warnings.

What is the difference between fire warden and fire marshal training

In the UK, the responsibilities of a fire warden and a fire marshal are identical. Fire wardens and marshals are civilians and not part of the fire brigade. This course provides knowledge and training to those wanting to provide fire safety as a fire warden or a fire marshal.

What Are the Benefits of Water Safety Training Courses?

Life Safety & Risk Reduction

Reduces the risk of drowning and water-related injury by improving hazard awareness and safe behaviour.
Enhances on-scene decision-making during dynamic and fast-changing flood conditions.
Improves support for vulnerable people during evacuation or shelter-in-place planning.

Legal Compliance & Duty of Care

Demonstrate compliance with health and safety law.
Ensure staff can implement emergency rescue arrangements.
Reduce the likelihood of enforcement action or reputational damage after incidents.

Greater Organisational Resilience

Make informed decisions around site closure, asset relocation, and protection.
Minimise downtime during flood events.
Integrate smoothly with emergency services using shared terminology and FRCO-aligned practices.

Alignment With National Standards

Standardised rescue techniques.
Clear communication methods.
Effective coordination with Fire & Rescue Services during major flood incidents.

Who benefits from a fire warden training course

Designated Fire Wardens. Anyone who has been appointed to take on the role of a fire warden within their workplace.
Managers and Supervisors. As a manager, you are responsible for overseeing fire safety and emergency procedures within their teams or departments, therefore it is crucial that you understand what to do in the event of a fire.
Safety Officers. Understanding fire safety is an important part of the role of professionals who are dedicated to enhancing workplace safety and compliance.
Health and Safety Personnel. Individuals whose roles are focused on maintaining and improving overall workplace safety need to be aware of efficient fire safety responses.
Business Owners. Those with a vested interest in ensuring the well-being of their employees and visitors should show a proactive approach in maintaining safety.
Employees and Staff. All team members can benefit from a basic understanding of fire safety, especially in emergency situations.

Book in your fire warden training course

What Equipment Is Covered in Water Rescue Courses?

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Participants learn how to use, inspect, and maintain:

Lifesaving equipment such as lifejackets & buoyancy aids
Dry suits or wet suits
Water rescue helmets
Gloves, boots, and thermal protection
High-visibility and lighting equipment

Training includes correct fitting, pre-use checks, decontamination, and storage.

Rescue & Safety Equipment

Depending on the training level, participants may use:

Throwlines and reach poles
Grab lines and wading poles
Inflatable boats or rescue sleds (specialist level)
Rescue boards and stretchers
Portable pumps and barriers for water management
Waterproof radios and communication systems

Course content progresses from simple awareness skills (“reach and throw”) to complex in-water, boat, and multi-agency rescue scenarios.

Book in your fire warden training course today

Who benefits from a fire warden training course

Designated Fire Wardens. Anyone who has been appointed to take on the role of a fire warden within their workplace.
Managers and Supervisors. As a manager, you are responsible for overseeing fire safety and emergency procedures within their teams or departments, therefore it is crucial that you understand what to do in the event of a fire.
Safety Officers. Understanding fire safety is an important part of the role of professionals who are dedicated to enhancing workplace safety and compliance.
Health and Safety Personnel. Individuals whose roles are focused on maintaining and improving overall workplace safety need to be aware of efficient fire safety responses.
Business Owners. Those with a vested interest in ensuring the well-being of their employees and visitors should show a proactive approach in maintaining safety.
Employees and Staff. All team members can benefit from a basic understanding of fire safety, especially in emergency situations.

Book in your fire warden training course

Where is Water Safety Training Most Valuable?

Flood-Prone Regions & Communities

Ideal for towns, villages, coastal areas, and urban zones regularly affected by river or surface-water flooding.

Premises With Water On or Adjacent to the Site

Transport & Infrastructure Corridors

Strategic & Corporate Organisations

How We Deliver Water Rescue Training Courses at Fire & Evacuation Services

Risk-Led Assessment

We assess your location’s water and flood risks, reviewing proximity to watercourses, site history, and flood-warning data.

Tiered Training Packages

Level 1 – Water Awareness
Level 2 – Working Near & In Shallow Water
Level 3 – Specialist Water Rescue Teams

Integrated Plans & Procedures

We help update your emergency plans, safe havens, evacuation routes, and flood-response protocols.

Assurance & Governance

You receive full competence records, training logs, and refresher programmes to maintain compliance.

Support During Heightened Flood Risk

We offer pre-season briefings and rapid refresher sessions when national flood alerts rise.

Who benefits from a fire warden training course

Designated Fire Wardens. Anyone who has been appointed to take on the role of a fire warden within their workplace.
Managers and Supervisors. As a manager, you are responsible for overseeing fire safety and emergency procedures within their teams or departments, therefore it is crucial that you understand what to do in the event of a fire.
Safety Officers. Understanding fire safety is an important part of the role of professionals who are dedicated to enhancing workplace safety and compliance.
Health and Safety Personnel. Individuals whose roles are focused on maintaining and improving overall workplace safety need to be aware of efficient fire safety responses.
Business Owners. Those with a vested interest in ensuring the well-being of their employees and visitors should show a proactive approach in maintaining safety.
Employees and Staff. All team members can benefit from a basic understanding of fire safety, especially in emergency situations.

Book in your fire warden training course

Why Choose Fire & Evacuation Services for Your Water Rescue Courses?

✓ Expert Firefighter-Led Team - Our trainers have extensive operational experience in real flood response and water rescue incidents.

✓ Nationwide, 24/7 Coverage - We deploy anywhere in the UK within hours to support your training and preparedness needs.

✓ DEFRA & National Guidance Aligned - All training aligns with DEFRA FRCO, NFCC guidance, and recognised water safety standards.

✓ Tailored Training for Every Sector - From industrial sites to community groups, we design courses around your environment and risk profile.

✓ Accredited & Trusted - We hold ISO 9001:2015 and CHAS accreditation, ensuring high-quality governance and delivery standards.

What is the difference between fire warden and fire marshal training

Book Your Water Rescue Training with Fire & Evacuation Services Today

When you choose Fire & Evacuation Services, your team benefits from professional instruction grounded in real operational expertise. Our courses provide the competence and confidence your organisation needs to stay safe around water and respond effectively to flooding.