OSHAA 30-Hours Professional Diploma in Open Water Emergency Rescue
The OSHAA 30-Hours Professional Diploma in Open Water Emergency Rescue is a specialized programme designed to prepare learners with the essential skills and knowledge required to respond effectively to emergencies in open water environments such as lakes, rivers, and coastal areas. This diploma emphasizes practical training, situational awareness, and confidence-building, ensuring participants are equipped to act quickly and responsibly when accidents or health-related incidents occur in unpredictable aquatic conditions.
The course covers a wide range of topics including drowning prevention, rescue methods in varying water conditions, CPR and first aid, spinal injury management, and risk assessment in open water environments. Learners will engage in scenario-based training that replicates real-life emergencies, helping them practice decision-making and problem-solving under pressure. The programme also highlights the importance of teamwork, communication with emergency services, and adapting rescue techniques to diverse environments such as surf zones, rivers with currents, and tidal waters.
This diploma is suitable for individuals seeking to work in aquatic safety roles across national and international contexts, including lifeguards at beaches, lakes, rivers, and outdoor recreational facilities. It is designed to be accessible to learners with varying levels of prior experience, ensuring that everyone leaves with the competence to provide safe and effective emergency rescue services. By the end of the programme, participants will have developed the technical skills, situational awareness, and leadership qualities needed to respond responsibly to emergencies, making them valuable contributors to safer open water environments.
Course Overview
Awarding Body
OSHAA
Duration
30-Hours
Study Mood
Online
Assessment
Assignments Based
Course Study Units
- Introduction to Open Water Emergency Rescue and Roles (3 Hours)
- Environmental Factors and Hazards in Open Water (4 Hours)
- Principles of Risk Assessment and Safety Planning (3 Hours)
- Open Water Rescue Techniques and Approaches (5 Hours)
- Use and Maintenance of Rescue Equipment in Open Water (3 Hours)
- Emergency Communication and Coordination Strategies (3 Hours)
- Casualty Assessment and Safe Recovery Procedures (4 Hours)
- Legal, Ethical, and Professional Responsibilities in Rescue Operations (3 Hours)
- Post-Rescue Care and Incident Reporting (2 Hours)
Entry Requirements
Who Can Enroll
The ideal learner is someone who wishes to strengthen their ability to manage emergencies in challenging open water environments.
- Lifeguards working in lakes, rivers, and coastal areas
- Surf and adventure tourism professionals
- Resort and outdoor recreation staff
- Community volunteers engaged in water safety programmes
- Sports and recreation professionals involved in aquatic activities
- Supervisors or managers overseeing open water operations
Course Learning Outcomes
Introduction to Open Water Emergency Rescue and Roles (3 Hours)
- Understand the scope and importance of open water emergency rescue
- Identify key roles and responsibilities within rescue teams
- Recognise the significance of teamwork and coordination in rescue operations
Environmental Factors and Hazards in Open Water (4 Hours)
- Identify common environmental hazards in open water settings
- Assess the impact of weather, currents, tides, and visibility on rescue operations
- Develop strategies to mitigate risks associated with natural water environments
Principles of Risk Assessment and Safety Planning (3 Hours)
- Conduct thorough risk assessments for open water rescue scenarios
- Create effective safety plans to minimise hazards during operations
- Apply risk management techniques to enhance rescuer and casualty safety
Open Water Rescue Techniques and Approaches (5 Hours)
- Demonstrate a variety of rescue techniques suitable for different open water conditions
- Execute safe and effective approaches to reach and assist casualties
- Adapt rescue methods based on situational variables and environmental factors
Use and Maintenance of Rescue Equipment in Open Water (3 Hours)
- Identify essential rescue equipment for open water environments
- Perform correct usage and handling of rescue tools during operations
- Carry out routine inspection and maintenance to ensure equipment readiness
Emergency Communication and Coordination Strategies (3 Hours)
- Apply effective communication techniques within rescue teams
- Coordinate multi-agency and team responses during emergencies
- Use communication tools to facilitate efficient rescue operations
Casualty Assessment and Safe Recovery Procedures (4 Hours)
- Conduct rapid and accurate assessment of casualties in open water
- Apply safe recovery techniques to minimise further injury
- Provide initial care and support during and after rescue
Legal, Ethical, and Professional Responsibilities in Rescue Operations (3 Hours)
- Understand the legal obligations relevant to open water rescue
- Recognise ethical considerations and professional conduct standards
- Ensure compliance with policies, regulations, and best practices
Post-Rescue Care and Incident Reporting (2 Hours)
- Deliver appropriate post-rescue care to support casualty recovery
- Complete detailed and accurate incident reports
- Evaluate rescue operations for continuous improvement and learning
