OSHAA 30-Hours Professional Diploma in National Water Safety Management Programme (NWSMP) – DEFRA

OSHAA 30-Hours Professional Diploma in National Water Safety Management Programme (NWSMP) – DEFRA

The OSHAA 30-Hours Professional Diploma in National Water Safety Management Programme (NWSMP) – DEFRA is a specialized qualification designed to provide learners with the essential skills and knowledge required to manage water safety in diverse environments. This diploma emphasizes practical training, situational awareness, and confidence-building, ensuring participants are prepared to act quickly and responsibly when supervising or responding to incidents in open water, rivers, lakes, and coastal areas.

The course covers a wide range of topics including drowning prevention, hazard identification, rescue techniques, CPR and first aid, and risk assessment in natural aquatic environments. Learners will engage in scenario-based training that replicates real-life challenges, helping them practice decision-making and problem-solving under pressure. The programme also highlights the importance of teamwork, communication with emergency services, and adapting safety strategies to different water conditions such as currents, tides, and cold-water risks.

This diploma is suitable for individuals working in outdoor education, leisure, adventure tourism, and community safety roles. 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 water safety management. By the end of the programme, participants will have developed the technical skills, situational awareness, and leadership qualities needed to uphold safety standards, making them valuable contributors to safer aquatic environments.

Course Overview

Awarding Body

OSHAA

Duration

30-Hours 

Study Mood

Online

Assessment

Assignments Based

Course Study Units

  1. Introduction to Water Safety Management and Roles (3 Hours)
  2. Legal and Regulatory Frameworks with DEFRA Guidelines (3 Hours)
  3. Principles of Risk Assessment and Hazard Identification (4 Hours)
  4. Developing and Implementing Water Safety Policies and Procedures (4 Hours)
  5. Environmental Considerations in Water Safety Management (4 Hours)
  6. Emergency Preparedness and Incident Response Planning (4 Hours)
  7. Safety Audits, Compliance Monitoring, and Reporting (5 Hours)
  8. Training and Development for Water Safety Staff (3 Hours)
  9. Communication Strategies and Stakeholder Engagement (3 Hours)

Entry Requirements

  • Minimum age: Minimum age of 18 years.
  • Educational background: A basic level of education (secondary school or equivalent) is required.
  • Language proficiency: Proficiency in English language for reading, writing, and communication.
  • Work experience: Strong swimming ability and water confidence are essential.

Who Can Enroll

The ideal learner is someone who wishes to strengthen their ability to manage risks and respond effectively to emergencies in natural water environments.

  • Outdoor education instructors
  • Adventure tourism and water sports professionals
  • Community volunteers engaged in water safety programmes
  • Leisure and recreation staff working in aquatic settings
  • Supervisors or managers overseeing open water activities
  • Emergency response team members supporting water-based operations

Course Learning Outcomes

Introduction to Water Safety Management and Roles (3 Hours)

  • Understand the fundamental concepts and importance of water safety management
  • Identify key roles and responsibilities in water safety across various environments
  • Recognise the impact of effective water safety practices on community wellbeing

Legal and Regulatory Frameworks with DEFRA Guidelines (3 Hours)

  • Describe relevant legal requirements and regulations including DEFRA guidelines
  • Apply regulatory standards to ensure compliance in water safety management
  • Understand the implications of non-compliance and enforcement mechanisms

Principles of Risk Assessment and Hazard Identification (4 Hours)

  • Conduct comprehensive risk assessments specific to aquatic environments
  • Identify potential hazards and evaluate their impact on safety
  • Develop effective risk mitigation strategies to prevent accidents

Developing and Implementing Water Safety Policies and Procedures (4 Hours)

  • Design clear and practical water safety policies aligned with national standards
  • Implement procedures that promote safety and operational efficiency
  • Monitor and review policies to ensure continual effectiveness

Environmental Considerations in Water Safety Management (4 Hours)

  • Recognise the importance of environmental sustainability in water safety
  • Assess environmental factors influencing aquatic safety management
  • Integrate sustainable practices into water safety programmes

Emergency Preparedness and Incident Response Planning (4 Hours)

  • Develop comprehensive emergency plans tailored to water safety incidents
  • Coordinate efficient response and recovery actions during emergencies
  • Ensure preparedness through training, drills, and resource allocation

Safety Audits, Compliance Monitoring, and Reporting (5 Hours)

  • Perform detailed safety audits to evaluate compliance and safety measures
  • Monitor ongoing adherence to water safety policies and legal standards
  • Prepare accurate reports to inform stakeholders and support decision-making

Training and Development for Water Safety Staff (3 Hours)

  • Plan and deliver effective training programmes for water safety personnel
  • Enhance staff skills, knowledge, and readiness for safety responsibilities
  • Evaluate training effectiveness and encourage continuous professional growth

Communication Strategies and Stakeholder Engagement (3 Hours)

  • Develop effective communication plans to raise water safety awareness
  • Engage with stakeholders including authorities, staff, and the public
  • Foster collaboration to support a culture of safety and shared responsibility

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

The programme equips learners with the knowledge and skills to manage water safety in natural aquatic environments. It focuses on practical training, hazard awareness, and emergency response to ensure participants can act quickly and responsibly during incidents.

The diploma is delivered through a blend of classroom instruction, scenario-based exercises, and practical open water training. Learners engage with structured modules that cover both theoretical and applied aspects of water safety management, ensuring a comprehensive learning experience.

No, prior lifeguard training is not required. The course is designed to be accessible to individuals from diverse backgrounds, including outdoor education, recreation, and community safety. However, strong swimming ability is essential to participate fully in practical training.

The programme prepares learners to respond to a wide range of emergencies including drowning incidents, spinal injuries, cardiac arrest, and environmental hazards such as rip currents, fast-flowing rivers, and cold-water shock. It also covers evacuation procedures and managing emergencies when resources are limited.

Learners will develop practical skills such as open water rescue techniques, CPR, first aid, hazard identification, and risk assessment. The training also emphasizes effective communication and teamwork during emergencies, ensuring participants are confident and capable in real-world scenarios.

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