Whitewater Safety and Rescue
October 10th - October 11th 2026
October 10th - October 11th 2026
PWATCN No.- EAEX0070
Summary
Course Details
Coaches
Summary
Focus: Personal safety, rescue techniques, and decision-making in Grade 2–3 whitewater environments
Format: Two-day, practical, river-based course with bank and in-water learning, including realistic rescue scenarios
Suitable For: Competent paddlers with moving water experience looking to build confidence and safety skills in whitewater
Assessment: Continuous, practical assessment through participation in rescue scenarios and application of safety techniques
Equipment: Craft and paddle, helmet (mandatory), buoyancy aid, wetsuit/drysuit, river footwear; recommended throwline, river knife, and warm layers
Outcome: Improved confidence, safety awareness, and ability to perform effective self-rescue and simple rescue techniques in whitewater conditions
Start Date
October 10th 2026
End Date
October 11th 2026
Duration
2 Days
Venue
River Tay – Burnmouth & Grandtully
Level
Beginner to Intermediate
Course Type
Practical
Age Suitability
Open to All Ages
Awarding Body
Details
Aim
This course is designed to develop the knowledge, skills and judgement required to operate safely on moving water, with an emphasis on personal safety and the effective management of rescue situations.
Course Overview
- Focus: Personal safety, rescue techniques, and decision-making in white water environments
- Format: Predominantly practical, river-based learning.
Description
The Whitewater Safety and Rescue (WWSR) Course is a two-day, practical programme designed to develop the essential skills required to operate safely and effectively in moving water environments. Delivered on sections of the River Tay, the course focuses on personal safety, rescue techniques, and decision-making in Grade 2–3 whitewater. Through a combination of river-based scenarios, in-water practice, and bank-side learning, participants will build confidence in managing risks, performing rescues, and supporting others in dynamic conditions. This course is ideal for competent paddlers looking to strengthen their safety awareness and progress within paddlesport environments.
Venue, Accomodation and Food
Day 1: River Tay – Burnmouth - https://maps.app.goo.gl/bo6CHajXXUQJsiPR6
Day 2: River Tay – Grandtully - https://maps.app.goo.gl/C6W9YpL8Ew791LqF7
Cost: £210 inc Paddle Scotland Certification Fee
Learning Outcomes
- Demonstrate a clear understanding of whitewater hazards and river features
- Apply effective personal safety strategies in moving water environments
- Make informed decisions in dynamic river conditions
- Perform self-rescue techniques, including defensive and aggressive swimming
- Use a throwline effectively for bank-based rescues
- Carry out simple and assisted rescues in whitewater scenarios
- Maintain awareness of risk, group safety, and environmental factors
- Select and use appropriate safety equipment confidently
- Work as part of a team during rescue situations
- Develop confidence in operating safely on Grade 2–3 whitewater.
Duration
- Duration: Two full days
Pre-course Requirements
To ensure a safe and effective learning experience, participants are expected to:
The following are recommended, though not essential:
If you are uncertain whether you meet these requirements, please contact us in advance to discuss suitability.
- Be competent paddlers on Grade 2 (ideally Grade 2+/3) white water
- Have experience of paddling in moving water, including eddies and river features
- Be able to self-rescue effectively (e.g. roll or confident swimming ability)
- Be physically capable of swimming in moving water conditions.
The following are recommended, though not essential:
- Paddle UK Paddlesport Safety & Rescue Course (PSRC)
- Regular recent paddling experience on rivers.
If you are uncertain whether you meet these requirements, please contact us in advance to discuss suitability.
Personal Requirements
Participants are required to bring appropriate equipment for a full day on the river:
Essential:
- Suitable craft and paddle (plus spare paddle if available)
- Helmet (mandatory)
- Buoyancy aid (minimum 50N)
- Wetsuit or drysuit
- Suitable river footwear.
Recommended:
- Throwline (if owned)
- River Knife
- Additional warm and waterproof layers
- Food, refreshments, and water
- Please inform us in advance if you require any equipment to be provided.
Course Expectations
The course is practical in nature and will involve:
- Participation in realistic rescue scenarios (including swimming)
- Both bank-based and in-water learning activities
- Active engagement throughout the duration of the course
- Content will be adapted to suit environmental conditions and group needs.
Pre-course Preparation
Participants are encouraged to undertake some preparatory learning, particularly in the following areas:
- Safe and effective use of a throwline
- Identification of common river hazards (e.g. strainers, stoppers, hydraulics)
- Techniques for swimming in white water
These topics will be covered during the course; however, prior familiarity will be beneficial.
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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