Whitewater Safety Award (Two Days)
A British Canoeing Awarding Body Qualification

Formerly Whitewater Safety & Rescue Training, this two day course is the pre-requisite for all Whitewater Leadership Assessments. It's also an excellent course for anyone paddling grade 2/3 whitewater who wants to learn about keeping themselves and their peers safe and what to do in the event of a swim or an incident.
Over my 20+ year whitewater career I have dealt with all sorts of incidents and mishaps and the aim of the weekend is to pass that knowledge onto you in a highly practical and engaging course.
We will explore simple strategies and safe skills that can provide the tools to solve common paddling issues. All modules are interactive, practical sessions, discussing and using equipment, and exploring possible solutions to common issues in a moderate whitewater grade 2 (3) environment.
The Whitewater Safety course covers the following modules:
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Motivations and Decisions
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River Trip
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Emergency Planning & Procedures
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Chase Boating and Equipment Rescues
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Swimming and Rescues
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Retrieving People and Equipment
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Scenarios
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Review and Reflections
Craft
This course is suitable for paddlers of all craft that are capable of whitewater including kayaks, open canoes, OC1s, Paddleboards and Packrafts.
Certification
Whilst not essential, a certificate will be issued and this will be included in the cost.
Bespoke Booking
If you want, this course can be run bespoke on a date and at a venue to suit you, your club or your organisation. Please email for prices and availability.
£220 per person






FAQs
Is this the right course for me?
To get the most out of this course you should be comfortable paddling as part of a group on grade 2 whitewater as there is a river journey element which focuses on safe paddling group strategies. Not at this standard? Consider the one day intro to whitewater safety course
Will I get wet?
YES! This is a very wet course with lots of time IN the water. we reccomend wearing a drysuit and bringing a hot drink!
What equipment should I bring for the training course?
Bring everything that you would normally take on a day our paddling in this environment.
- Suitable Whitewater Craft (with airbags if applicable)
- Paddle
- Bouyancy Aid, Helmet (& Spraydeck if applicable)
- Tape with Karabiner
- Safety Knife
- Suitable Clothing
- Food & Drink
- Personal Medication
Where do we meet?
To make the best use of water and weather conditions, the exact venue will be decided the day before, this is normally a dropped pin shared in a whatsapp group chat.
How long are the days?
This is a two day course. We’ll normally meet around 9am and aim to be off the river before 4pm
What do you provide?
Two days of expert coaching tailored to the group and with emphasis on enjoyment and practical learning. This course doesn’t include equipment but I may be able to help with certain items, feel free to ask and I’ll see what I can do. Before buying anything you may need get in touch as you might be in a position to make more informed choices after the course.