Paddlesport Safety and Rescue
August 29th 2026
August 29th 2026
PWATCN No.- EAEX0068
Summary
Course Details
Coaches
Summary
Focus: Personal safety, rescue techniques, and on-water awareness
Format: Practical, scenario-based learning
Prerequisites Basic paddling skills and confidence in water
Suitable For: Paddlers, group supporters, and aspiring coaches/leaders
Assessment: Continuous practical assessment throughout the day
Equipment: Personal paddling kit required (buoyancy aid, suitable clothing, craft & paddle)
Outcome: Improved confidence, safety awareness, and rescue capability in sheltered water
Key Skills: Self-Rescue, Towing & Deep Water Rescues
Key Skills: Self-Rescue, Towing & Deep Water Rescues
Start Date
August 29th 2026
End Date
Same Day
Duration
1 Day
Venue
Willowgate Activity Centre
Level
Beginner to Intermediate
Course Type
Practical
Age Suitability
Open to All Ages
Awarding Body
Details
Aim
This course is designed to develop the fundamental knowledge and practical skills required to maintain personal safety and support others in sheltered water environments.
Course Overview
- Focus: Personal safety, simple rescue techniques, and awareness in sheltered water
- Environment: Sheltered water (e.g. lochs, canals, slow-moving rivers, or coastal areas with minimal conditions)
- Format: Practical, scenario-based learning.
Description
The Paddlesport Safety and Rescue Certificate is a one-day, practical course designed in line with Paddle UK guidance to develop essential safety awareness and rescue skills in sheltered water environments. Through hands-on, scenario-based learning, participants will build confidence in maintaining personal safety, supporting others, and responding effectively to common on-water situations. Set in environments such as lochs, canals, slow-moving rivers, or calm coastal areas, the course focuses on simple rescue techniques, decision-making, and safe practice. Ideal for novice to intermediate paddlers, as well as those supporting group or coaching activities, it provides a strong foundation for anyone progressing towards leadership or coaching roles, with no formal prior qualifications required.
Venue, Accomodation and Food
Location: Subject to suitable environmental conditions
Day 1: Willowgate Activity Centre - https://maps.app.goo.gl/NWr1Y41sCLMbUoQf8
Cost: £90 inc Paddle Scotland Certification Fee
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this course, participants will be able to:
- Demonstrate an understanding of key safety principles when paddling in sheltered water environments
- Maintain personal safety through appropriate decision-making, awareness, and equipment use
- Perform a range of simple and effective rescue techniques, both as a rescuer and as a swimmer
- Assist and support others during common paddlesport incidents in a safe and controlled manner
- Apply basic towing and recovery methods where appropriate
- Identify potential risks and hazards in sheltered water and take steps to manage them
- Show increased confidence and competence in responding to real-life, scenario-based situations
- Contribute to a safe and supportive paddling environment for individuals and groups.
Duration
- Duration: One day
- The Paddlesport Safety and Rescue course is a 6-hour programme that consists of 6 modules, of which can be delivered in a day or modular, over a maximum of a eight week period that suits the participants.
Pre-course Requirements
To ensure a safe and productive course, participants should:
- Be comfortable paddling on sheltered water
- Have basic boat control (e.g. steering, stopping, turning)
- Be confident in and around water
- Be physically able to enter the water and swim a short distance.
This course is suitable for:
- Novice to intermediate paddlers
- Those supporting club, group, or coaching activity
- Individuals progressing towards leadership or coaching awards.
No formal prior qualifications are required.
Personal Requirements
Participants should arrive equipped for a full day on the water:
Essential:
- Suitable craft and paddle
- Buoyancy aid (minimum 50N)
- Appropriate clothing for immersion (e.g. wetsuit or equivalent)
- Suitable footwear.
Recommended:
- Spare clothing and towel
- Warm layers and waterproofs
- Food, refreshments, and drinking water.
Please inform us in advance if you require any equipment to be provided.
Course Expectations
The course is practical and interactive, and will include:
- Participation in rescue scenarios (including getting wet)
- Both bank-based and on-water activities
- Active involvement throughout the day.
The emphasis is on developing confidence, awareness, and safe practice in a supportive learning environment.
Pre-course Preparation
Participants may find it useful to familiarise themselves with:
- Basic rescue techniques (e.g. assisted rescues, towing)
- Use of simple safety equipment
- General water safety principles.
Awarding Body
British Canoeing Awarding Body
Additional Information
Final details regarding venue, timings, and meeting arrangements will be provided closer to the course date, taking into account weather and local conditions.
If you have any questions prior to the course, please do not hesitate to get in touch.
Coaches
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