Rescue 3

Swiftwater &

Flood First Responder

Swiftwater &
Flood First Responder

The Course

The Swiftwater and Flood First Responder (SFR) course is designed to equip participants with essential skills for operating safely in and around swiftwater and flood environments. This course emphasizes bank-based and shallow water wading rescues, enabling responders to support rescue operations effectively.

Who is this course for?

The SFR course is tailored for individuals who work around water and may be involved in bank-based or shallow water rescues. This includes emergency responders who support Swiftwater Rescue Technicians during incidents, providing downstream safety cover and assisting with casualty handling. In major flooding scenarios, First Responders play a crucial role in evacuations and safety provisions.

Location

Based on the South Coast in Swanage, Dorset. Easy access via road or train. We’ll pick you up from Wareham train station for free.
We provide transport to all training locations during your course.

Pre-requisites

Must be a confident swimmer
Minimum age 18

Course Dates 2025

Autumn 2025

Course Content

What's Included

✅ Rescue 3 Philosophy
✅ Training Standards
✅ Best Practice Guidelines for Water Rescue
✅ Hydrology and Water Hazards
✅ Floodwater Dynamics and Hazards
✅ Flood Theory
✅ Personal and Team Equipment
✅ Pre-Planning and Risk Assessments
✅ Incident Management and Site Control
✅ Medical and Decontamination Considerations
✅ Considerations for Night or Poor Visibility Operations
✅ Mud, Ice, and Unstable Surface Considerations
✅ Introduction to Searching Rivers and Floods
✅ Communications
✅ Swiftwater Swimming Techniques
✅ Strainer Swim
✅ Conditional Rescues – Talk, Reach, Throw
✅ Shallow Water Techniques
✅ Casualty Management
✅ People and Equipment Entrapments
✅ Tethered Boat Options (if used by agency)
✅ Inflated Fire Hose (if used by agency)
✅ Flat-Water Sled Paddling (if used by agency)

Defra Level

Defra Module 2 – Water First Responder

Qualification valid for:

3 years

Accredited by Rescue 3

More about the course

The Swiftwater and Flood First Responder (SFR) course is an intensive 12-hour training program conducted over two days, combining theoretical instruction with hands-on practical applications.
Participants will gain a deep understanding of hydrology, floodwater dynamics, and water hazards, ensuring they can assess risks and operate safely in swiftwater and flood environments.

The course also covers Rescue 3 philosophy, best practice guidelines, and essential personal and team equipment, helping responders prepare effectively for emergency situations.

This qualification is essential for emergency responders, equipping them with the skills and confidence to support swiftwater and flood rescue operations effectively. Whether responding to natural disasters or assisting in water-based emergencies, this training ensures a higher level of safety and operational efficiency for all involved.

Rescue 3 courses launch at Land & Wave in Autumn 2025, designed to give rescue teams and emergency services a quality training experience, which is easily accessible on the South Coast. If your team need to update their training – get in touch.