RESCUE 3 EUROPE · DEFRA MODULE 3 · 4 DAYS

Rescue 3 Europe Swiftwater and Flood Rescue Technician (SRT)

The benchmark course for swiftwater and flood rescue teams. Over four days (24 hours) you learn to survive in moving water and carry out shore-based, in-water, rope and boat-based rescues.

Book or enquire Group booking enquiry Call 01823 214134

DEFRA Module 3

Four days (24 hours)

Rope, boat and in-water rescue

Valid for 3 years

Awarding bodyRescue 3 Europe

DEFRAModule 3 – Water and Flood Rescue Technician

Duration4 days (24 hours)

Price£625 + VAT per person (£750 inc VAT)

Group coursesRun at your venue or ours for groups of 6 or more, with 10% off per person for a full group of 8

Entry requirements18+, confident swimmer

CertificateRescue 3 Europe certificate, valid for 3 years

Who it's for

Front-line rescuers

For fire and rescue, search and rescue, mountain rescue, HART, police and outdoor centre staff who may need to carry out rescues in swiftwater and floods. SRT is the specialist rescue level within the DEFRA framework.

Theory

Understanding the rescue

The background to plan and run a safe rescue as a team.

River hydrology, flood theory and hazard assessment
Scene management and the rescue priorities
Search management
Weir and low-head dam hazards
Vehicles in water
Helicopter familiarisation
Medical and decontamination considerations

Training a team? We can run this course privately at your venue or ours.

Book or enquire Group booking enquiry

Practical

Skills in the water

Extensive hands-on training in moving water.

Self-rescue, defensive and aggressive swimming
Strainer swim and foot and body entrapment rescue
Shore-based rescues, including throw bags and wading
Tethered (contact) swimmer rescues
Tethered and tensioned boat operations
Knots, anchors, mechanical advantage and line crossings
Tensioned diagonals and rope-assisted rescues

Recertification

Keeping your SRT current

SRT is valid for 3 years. You can recertify by attending an SRT recertification course, or by completing Weir Rescue (WR) or Swiftwater and Flood Rescue Technician Advanced (SRTA-W). SRT recertification is £475 + VAT per person (£570 inc VAT). Talk to us about recertification dates.

Boat operations

Operate rescue boats

Once you hold SRT, Swiftwater and Flood Rescue Boat Operator (DEFRA Module 4) trains you to run powered and paddled rescue boats in swiftwater and floods.

Swiftwater and Flood Rescue Boat Operator →

Command

Leading at incidents

For those who go on to manage and command water and flood incidents, Management of Water and Flood Incidents is the next step.

Management of Water and Flood Incidents →

Accreditation

Rescue 3 Europe Training Provider

Apex Medical & Rescue is an approved Rescue 3 Europe Training Provider. Our courses follow Rescue 3 Europe standards, and successful students receive a Rescue 3 Europe certificate. Find out more about Rescue 3 Europe and its courses at rescue3europe.com, or see our listing in the Rescue 3 Europe training provider directory.

View our Rescue 3 Europe listing →

Frequently asked questions

Can't see your question? Call 01823 214134 or email info@apex-mr.co.uk.

What are the entry requirements?

You must be 18 or over and a confident swimmer. The course is physically demanding, with long periods in cold moving water, so a good level of fitness is strongly recommended.

Do I need SFR first?

No. SRT covers the first responder content, so you can start at SRT if your role requires it.

How long is it valid?

3 years. Recertify through an SRT recertification course, or through Weir Rescue or SRT Advanced.

What equipment do I need?

We provide the specialist water rescue PPE: drysuit, thermal layer, buoyancy aid (PFD), helmet and gloves. You will need suitable clothing to wear under the drysuit, a change of clothes and a packed lunch. We will send joining instructions before the course.

Where are courses held?

Classroom sessions run at our Taunton training centre or at your premises. Practical water sessions use suitable river and flood venues in the South West, confirmed when you book.

Can you run a course for our organisation?

Yes. We run closed courses for fire and rescue services, search and rescue teams, local authorities, utilities and businesses. Contact us or call 01823 214134 for dates and a quote.