The SWNW course is designed for industry, civil engineering, and other workers near water.
Course Summary
A classroom-based course, that looks at the hazards and risk associated with inland (lakes, canals, rivers) and coastal water. It looks at basic control measures and safe working practices that can be introduced, including types of PPE and their use.
The comparable course for those supporting rescue teams is Water and Flood Awareness (AW).
Course content includes:
- Rescue 3 philosophy
- Training standards
- Hydrology and water hazards
- Personal equipment
- Rescue equipment considerations
- Pre-planning
- Risk assessments
- Incident size-up considerations
- Site control
- Medical and decontamination considerations
- Considerations for night/poor visibility operations
- Mud, ice and unstable surface considerations
- Communications
- Accidental immersion considerations
- Receiving a throwbag
On successful completion of this course, candidates will be awarded with a Certificate of Attendance which will be valid for 3 years.
Who is it for?
You will need
Candidates are not required to bring any equipment to this course.
Your skill level
No previous skills are required.
FAQs
What is the difference between a life-jacket and a buoyancy aid?
Both are personal flotation devices. A life-jacket will include head support and will ensure that the wearer floats on their back with their head above the water. A buoyancy aid will help keep a person afloat but this could be either face-down or on their back. The choice on which device is most appropriate will depend on the activity being carried out. You are advised to contact the sport governing body for specific advice.
When should I wear, a buoyancy aid or a lifejacket?
A buoyancy aid is designed to keep someone afloat. It allows the wearer full movement whilst a water-based sporting activity is carried out. However if unconscious, the wearer’s head could be face down in the water.
A lifejacket has a buoyancy distribution sufficient to turn the user to a position where their mouth is clear of the water, even when they are unconscious.
What should I wear?
* A buoyancy aid whilst in a sailing dinghy, personal watercraft, windsurfer, canoe or water-skiing or if providing safety cover for such an activity.
* A life-jacket in an open boat such as small powerboat or when going ashore in a yacht tender.
* A life jacket at all times on a yacht or motor cruiser if you are a non-swimmer and when there is any possibility of entering the water. In addition when the skipper deems it necessary or whenever you want to wear one.
What is cold water shock (CWS)?
It’s the body’s short term, involuntary response to being suddenly immersed in cold water. It is considered to be a principal underlying factor in a drowning death. After sudden immersion, a number of things happen:
First of all, closure of the blood vessels in the skin result in increased resistance to blood flow. The heart then has to work harder and blood pressure increases.
At the same time there is a “gasp” response, along with a dramatic change in the breathing rate, meaning the ability to keep controlled steady breathing is lost for a while.
The effect of these can lead to a sense of panic, inhalation of water, leading to in some circumstance a cardiac arrest.
Do I need to pay for my training before I do it?
Yes you do, you can pay online when you book your course, or call 0845 872 3411 and pay with a credit card over the phone. Customers with credit terms, please call Training Plus to book your course on 0845 872 3411.
Can you cater for students with special needs?
Yes, but as with all special requirements that differ from the norm, please make us aware of your requirements and we will do our best to provide the appropriate support.
Are there any car parking spaces available?
Yes, there are a lot of FREE car parking spaces available in the area.
What accommodation is available?
There are a variety of hotels and B & B’s in the area. There is a list available to assist you with booking your stay.
Am I going to feel safe during my course participation?
Beside the fact that our staff and the environment of the school will make you feel happy and safe, CCTV is operating in most of the school’s areas.
I’m getting on a bit, is it like going back to school and will I feel out of place?
Not at all. A large percentage of our learners are mature students simply keeping up to date with current standards. Everybody is made to feel welcome in the centre.
