Open Water Lifesaving Courses

Although the Basic Life Saving skills are similar, there are lots of different hazards and risks we could be faced with in the Open Water.  The method of lifesaving is also different as you are commonly on a canoe or paddle board, and the rescue techniques can be different.

With Open Water Swimming now increasingly popular, this is a great course if you want a job on the lakes for the summer or if you just want to stay safe in Open Water!

Open Water Lifesaving

This course is accredited by the Royal Lifesaving Society and the qualification lasts for two years.  It allows the candidate to lifeguard an Open Water venue.  The course can be competed in two ways:

1 day Bolt on course - For those who have a valid NPLQ qualification.  This course is added on to the NPLQ to allow trained lifeguards to work in Open Water Venues.  It covers the Hazards and rescues in the Open Water.

1 day bolt on course - £100

3 Day course - For those who have no prior Lifesaving qualification and wish to Lifeguard in the Open Water.  This course cover the Basic Life Support skills and techniques and all of the information and rescues needed for an Open Water Lifeguard.

3 Day course - £250

AquaPups Open Water

This course has been designed to teach children Basic Lifesaving and First Aid skills as well as an introduction to Open Water Swimming.  It is a mixture of Theory and Practical work both in and out of the water.  The theory side covers:

• Identifying and avoiding hazards

• Dealing with a conscious/unconscious casualty

• Recovery Position

• CPR

• and the basic First Aid skills of identifying and dealing with common injuries and illnesses. 

In the water, we start with how keep safe and what to do if you panic or if someone else needs help, plus some basic rescue techniques. We learn how to put on and take off a wetsuit, how to acclimatise to the water, safety signs and communication, buoyancy and flotation and stroke work.  

5 hour course over one or two dates - £70

Divers Cove, Godstone, RH9 8ND

Divers Cove is on the East Lake Nature Reservoir near Godstone Village.  There are two circuits available 450m and 650m, both clearly marked by large buoys.  There in an onsite café serving hot and cold drinks and food, male and female heated changing facilities and toilets.

www.diverscove.co.uk

Swim times:

Tues, Weds and Thurs - 5.30pm - 8pm

 Sat & Sun - 9am - 12.30pm and 3pm -8pm

The SHAC lagoon

Reigate Road, Betchworth RH3 7BQ

The SHAC- Surrey Hills Adventure Company Lagoon is situated in the heart of the Surrey Hills in Buckland.  The unspoilt natural Quarry lake is a beautiful way to spend time Wild swimming, paddle boarding or you can even try their stand up yoga sessions!!!

Course Dates:

Divers Cove - TBC

Weirwood Reservoir - TBC

Do you need wetsuit hire??

Sarah at www.triwetsuithire.co.uk has the top branded wetsuits for hire at different rates.  You can pay as you go or hire it for the whole season with an option to buy if you wish!

Kids loved it!!

'Really great course that brings water safety awareness and general first aid guidelines to kids, fab, Thank you!'

— K.C.