Swiftwater and Flood Rescue Technician (SRT)

The SRT course provides rescuers with the fundamentals of survival in moving water and is recommended for anyone who may be called upon to effect in-water rescues. Students gain knowledge in hydrology and river classifications, size-up, site control and scene management. Practical skills include self-rescue, swiftwater swimming and the fundamentals of shore, boat and in-water rescues. Additionally students are introduced to the basics of boat handling and the fundamentals of rope rescue including mechanical advantage and anchor systems.

The Swiftwater and Flood Rescue Technician course complies with the UK's Defra Module 3 content requirements, and for many years has been seen as the benchmark training course for swiftwater and flood rescue teams. This training course is intended for personnel who may be required to carry out rescues in a swiftwater and flood environment, including emergency services personnel and LandSAR teams.

Course content includes

  • Hydrology
  • Introduction to technical rescue equipment
  • Hazard identification & risk assessment
  • Introduction to rope systems
  • Swimming in moving water
  • Medical considerations
  • Basic boat-handling skills
  • Scene management
  • Contact and in-water rescues
  • Basic incident command
  • Crossing techniques
  • Search Operations
  • Flat water boat handling

Contact hours

24 hours

Prerequisites

  • Minimum age: 18
  • Confident Swimmer

Qualification valid for

3 years