How to pick the correct water safety training for your business needs

14 April 2026

Water safety training is essential for any business with employees working on, in, or near water. However, deciding which water safety training best meets your business needs can be challenging.  

This blog provides insight into the following water safety courses available and for whom they are most suited.  


National Water Safety Management Programme (NWSMP) 

The NWSMP is in three water safety courses (or modules) tailored to the individual requirements of candidates attending the course.  

NWSMP – Module 1: Water Safety Awareness  

The Water Safety Awareness module of the NWMSP is suitable for those working near water, providing safety cover during structured managed activity. This water safety course is ideal for people in roles such as Teachers on field trips, Countryside Rangers, Community Safety Wardens, Private Estate and Security Staff whose duties mean they work near water.

During the course, candidates will learn about the following: 

  • Generic Open Water Hazards
  • Risk Management
  • Land-based Rescue Techniques
  • PPE and Aquatic Clothing
  • Basic Life Support Awareness  
Learn more about NWSMP Module 1: Water Safety Awareness 


NWSMP – Module 2: Inland Waterways 

The Inland Waterways water safety course suits those working in water on inland waterways such as rivers, canals, and lakes. The types of jobs this course is ideal for include outdoor activity instructors, fisheries managers, or water testers whose working activities mean they are working on or in water.

During the course, candidates will learn about: 

  • Inland-Specific Hazards
  • In Water Rescue Skills
  • Personal Safety
  • Dynamic Risk Management
  • Moving in Shallow Water 

Learn about the NWSMP Inland Waterways 

NWSMP – Module 2: Coastal Waterways  

The Coastal Waterways water safety training course suits those working in water in coastal areas. The types of jobs this water safety course is ideal for include Marine Biologists, Marine Environmental Consultants, Coast and Marine Advisors, Coastal Engineers, and Coastal Scientists.

During the course, candidates would learn about: 

  • Coastal-specific Hazards
  • In Water Rescue Skills
  • Personal Safety
  • Dynamic Risk Management
  • Returning to Shore Through Surf
  • Coastal Wildlife 

Learn more about the NWSMP Coastal Waterways 


Water Safety Training - DEFRA Aligned

The Water Safety Training - DEFRA Aligned modules are in alignment with the outcomes and objectives of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) water safety training requirements. They teach candidates about their responsibilities when working near water and at times of flooding. The course content is in three modules to ensure candidates get the most out of the programme. 

DEFRA Module 1: Water & Flood Awareness

The DEFRA Module 1: Water & Flood Awareness module is for workers who may work near water as part of their role. The types of roles this includes are Ecologists, Construction Workers, Groundworkers, Site Managers and Utilities Engineers.

During a course, candidates would learn about: 

  • Generic Open Water Hazards
  • Land-based Rescue Techniques
  • PPE and Aquatic Clothing
  • Effects of Cold Water 
Learn more about the DEFRA Module 1: Water & Flood Awareness module


DEFRA Module 1 with Annex G - Water & Flood Non-Rescue Support Operations  

The DEFRA Module 1 with Annex G - Water & Flood Non-Rescue Support Operations module is for employees working on the water's edge at risk of needing to self-rescue. The types of roles this includes are Emergency Services, Wildlife Trusts staff, Waterway Agencies, Flood Control Personnel, Watercourse Maintenance staff and Environment Engineers.

During the course, candidates would learn about: 

  • Generic Open-water Hazards
  • Land-based Rescue Techniques
  • PPE and Aquatic Clothing
  • Effects of Cold Water
  • Moving in Shallow Water
  • Self-rescue 

Learn more about the DEFRA Module 1 with Annex G - Water & Flood Non-Rescue Support Operations

DEFRA Module 2: Water & Flood First Responder 

The DEFRA Module 2: Water & Flood First Responder module is for those working in, on and near inland waterways, providing safety cover during structured managed activity up to wading depth water. The types of roles this includes are Environment Agencies, flood technicians and flood response teams, and River Water Quality Surveyors.

During the course, candidates will learn about the following: 

  • Inland-specific Hazards
  • In-water Rescue Skills
  • Hazards Associated with Rescue in Inland Waters
  • Personal Safety
  • Risk Management
  • Dynamic Risk Management
  • River Crossing
  • Search Methods 

Learn more about the DEFRA Module 2: Water & Flood First Responder

DEFRA Module 3: Water Flood Rescue Technician

DEFRA Module 3: Water & Flood Rescue Technician trains responders to recognise their operational limits and use of appropriate water rescue equipment when working on or in moving water. It is also designed for specialist search and rescue personnel who require advanced water rescue skills. 

During the course, candidates will learn about the following: 

  • Water rescue scene management and dynamic risk assessment
  • Incident management structure, hydrology and associated hazards
  • Search procedures
  • Rescue techniques
  • Basic boat handling by paddle
  • Rigging and operating of rope systems
  • Specialist rescue equipment (where in use by the training provider)
  • Flooding and associated hazards
  • Working in darkness and reduced visibility
  • Search techniques

Learn more about the DEFRA Module 3: Water Flood Rescue Technician


Water Rescue Equipment Training (WRET) 

The WRET water rescue course ensures people are confident and competent in using water rescue equipment found around watercourses. It is for businesses responsible for supervising the public near a watercourse or body of water, including nightlife venues, bars and restaurants in waterfront locations, golf clubs with lakes or ponds, heritage sites with bodies of water, event venues or educational establishments with lakes and ponds, etc. on-site.

During the course, candidates will learn about the following: 

  • Open Water Hazards (such as canals and rivers)
  • Cold Water Shock
  • Types of Rescues
  • Public Rescue Equipment (PRE) 

Learn more about the Water Rescue Equipment Training (WRET) course

If you are still trying to decide about the most appropriate water safety training for your business, then contact the RLSS UK team at [email protected] or 0300 323 0096 to discuss your specific requirements; the team will be pleased to advise you on the most suitable. 

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