basic water rescuer

bwr

Duration 2-Days

group size 1 to 12 people

price £337+VAT

Level DEFRA Module 3

The course

Are you looking to develop essential water rescue skills? The Basic Water Rescuer (BWR) course, provided by Land & Wave Ltd, is a Rescue 3 training program designed for individuals operating in still water environments, such as lakes, ponds, and canals. This course equips participants with the knowledge, techniques, and equipment use necessary for safe and effective water rescues.

Get a Rescue 3 Europe certificate that's recognised worldwide and valid for 3 years
The BWR course is ideal for Outdoor professionals – Watersports instructors, adventure guides, and outdoor activity leaders
Emergency responders – Firefighters, rescue teams, and safety personnel working in water-based environments
Anyone working near water – Park rangers, conservationists, and environmental workers

What you'll learn

Rescue principles and water hazards

Introduction to Water Rescue – Understanding the principles of water rescue and risk assessment
Hydrology & Water Hazards – Identifying potential dangers in still water environments
Personal & Team Safety – Using PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) and maintaining team safety
Rescue Techniques – Learning different water rescue methods, including reach, throw, and wade rescues
Use of Rescue Equipment – Proper handling of throw bags, life jackets, and other essential rescue gear
Casualty Management – Approaching, securing, and assisting casualties in the water
Self-Rescue Skills – Techniques to stay safe if caught in a dangerous situation
Communication & Emergency Procedures – Coordinating rescue efforts and ensuring effective communication
Practical Water-Based Scenarios – Hands-on training in real-world environments

What's included

Expert instructors

Friendly, qualified Land & Wave instructors who monitor conditions before and during every session.

All your kit

Palm Rescue Drysuit, Palm 850 buoyancy aid and helmet. Just bring clothes for under drysuit and trainers you don't mind getting wet.

Private Changing rooms

No more getting changed in a car park plus free lockers to stores your valuables.

A Stunning location

The course is based at our HQ office in Swanage Dorset.

Who it's for?

The BWR course is ideal for:
✔ Outdoor professionals – Watersports instructors, adventure guides, and outdoor activity leaders
✔ Emergency responders – Firefighters, rescue teams, and safety personnel working in water-based environments
✔ Anyone working near water – Park rangers, conservationists, and environmental workers

Why Land & Wave

Land & Wave has a longstanding history in professional outdoor instructor training. Our instructors have a wide knowledge base, and decades of experience on the crag, in rivers and out at sea.

Our friendly crew hate nothing more than a dull training course, we promise to deliver engaging, thought provoking training courses. No beige powerpoints here!

Dorset’s central position in the South of England makes it easily reachable from major cities like London, Bristol, and Southampton, offering convenient travel options for participants across the UK.

The region’s varied waterways, including rivers, provide ideal conditions for realistic training scenarios.

This accessibility and natural diversity make Dorset an excellent hub for Swiftwater training, attracting both local and national participants.

What people Say

"Alex and his team were excellent teachers and very accommodating. Very much enjoyed doing my Rescue 3 Europe certification with them and would recommend them to anyone looking to learn or adventure. 11/10"

Chirs Holborrow

"I had a fantastic experience with this water safety training course. Alex was a brilliant instructor from start to finish—knowledgeable, engaging, and incredibly clear in his explanations. He created a supportive and confident learning environment, making sure everyone understood both the theory and the practical skills. The course was well-structured, hands-on, and genuinely enjoyable. I left feeling much more confident and prepared. Highly recommend this course, especially with Alex as the instructor."

Brad Warner

FAQs

Do I need any experience

You just need to be water confident and able to swim 25 metres.

IS there a minimum age?

Yes, you need to be 18 to join the Swiftwater and Flood Rescue Technician (SRT) training.

Where do we meet?

At Land & Wave’s HQ in Swanage. It’s 35 minutes from Bournemouth and about 2.5 hours from London.

What should I bring?

Activity clothes, layers for underneath your drysuit, a towel, and old trainers. We provide everything else.

Why should I complete the course with LAnd & Wave?

Completing the Basic Water Rescuer course with Land & Wave offers numerous benefits. Delivered by experienced instructors, the course combines hands-on training and expert guidance to build confidence and competence in challenging water environments.

Set in the stunning and varied landscapes of Dorset, participants gain real-world experience in various swiftwater and flood scenarios. Land & Wave prioritises safety, providing top-quality equipment and a supportive learning environment.

Successful graduates leave fully certified with recognised qualifications, boosting their employability and preparedness for critical rescue roles.

Price

£337 + VAT per person

2-Days 08:30 to 16:30

Company No. 6806625

From £59 pp