Dr. Marina AlcoverAcademic director focused on measurable results and operational excellence in maritime education. Integrates IMO/STCW regulations and ISO 21001/9001 f
Course · 300 h · 5 modules
Recreational Rescue Techniques Course
This course provides you with the essential skills to respond effectively in emergency situations during recreational water activities. Learn to identify hazards, perform safe rescues, and apply first aid specific to the aquatic…
Duration300 h
FormatOnline
Starts30 November
Places20 / 20
Prior knowledge
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Programme overview
What is the Recreational Rescue Techniques Course?
The Recreational Rescue Techniques course
This course provides you with the essential skills to respond effectively in emergency situations during recreational water activities. Learn to identify hazards, perform safe rescues, and apply first aid specific to the aquatic environment. This program equips you with the knowledge and confidence needed to act quickly and effectively, minimizing danger to yourself and others.
Recreational Rescue Techniques
Differential Advantages
- Realistic Simulations: Practice rescues in different aquatic scenarios, including pools, lakes, and beaches.
- Specialized Equipment: Familiarize yourself with the use of rescue equipment such as rescue buoys, ropes, and rescue boards.
- Advanced First Aid: Learn to treat common injuries in aquatic activities, such as drowning, hypothermia, and marine wildlife injuries.
- Communication Protocols: Master effective communication techniques to coordinate rescues and request assistance.
- Certified Instructors: Receive training from experienced instructors with extensive experience in aquatic rescue.
Programme type
Course
Study mode
Online
Duration
300 hours
Modules
5
Start date
08-12-2026
Programme highlights
- Rescue Fundamentals: Master the essential techniques for safety in recreational aquatic environments.
- Specialized Equipment: Learn the correct use of rescue equipment, including fins, masks, snorkels, and flotation devices.
- Practical Scenarios: Participate in realistic drills to develop your emergency response skills.
- First Aid: Gain a solid foundation in CPR and first aid tailored to aquatic incidents.
- Hazard Prevention: Identify and mitigate potential hazards to create safer aquatic environments.
- Be prepared to act with confidence and effectiveness in recreational rescue situations.
Curriculum
Programme Structure
The programme is structured in 5 modules, listed below in order of study.
01
Fundamentals of recreational rescue, risk prevention and safety in water activities
- Recreational rescue concept and differences between self-protection, basic assistance, professional lifeguard and specialised rescue
- Frequent risks on beaches, natural pools, rivers, lakes, boats and recreational water activities
- Basic principles of prevention: evaluation of the environment, physical condition, adequate material, supervision and communication
- Responsibility of the companion, monitor, guide, participant and group in a situation of aquatic risk
- Recreational rescuer's performance limits and priority not to expose yourself unnecessarily to danger
02
Environment assessment, hazard identification and safe decision making
- Basic reading of currents, waves, tides, wind, depth, visibility, temperature and obstacles
- Identification of signs of fatigue, panic, cramps, disorientation, hypothermia, heat stroke and difficulty staying afloat
- Rapid evaluation of the scene before intervening: distance, access, available resources, companions and additional risks
- Criteria for activating professional help, notifying lifeguards, contacting emergencies or requesting support from nearby boats
- Prioritization of actions: Observe, alert, protect, approach safely, assist and accompany until safe zone
03
Basic Techniques for Help From Land, Flotation, Reach and Support with Material
- Assistance from safe zone by voice, clear instructions, signalling and guide to an exit point
- Reach techniques with hand, pole, oar, cape, towel, board, float or elongated object
- Launch of floating elements, ropes, lifebuoys, buoys and supporting objects available
- Recreational use of boards, paddle surfing, kayaking, vests, floats and small boats for basic assistance
- Accompaniment techniques without direct contact when the person can partially collabourate
04
Safe aquatic approach, assistance to people in difficulty and control of panic
- Criteria to enter the water only when it is safe and there is sufficient capacity, support and resources
- Front, side, or back approach according to the person's condition, visibility, swell and grip hazard
- Calm communication with the person on difficulty in reducing panic, orienting breathing and facilitating collabouration
- Use of floating elements between rescuer and victim to avoid dangerous contact
- Basic assisted trailer techniques with flotation material and travel to safe zone
05
Applied project of recreational rescue techniques
- Case definition: beach, natural pool, river, lake, water tour, guided activity or recreational boat trip
- Diagnosis of risks of the environment, participants, available material, communication, access and emergency resources
- Design of the preventive plan with safety regulations, activity zones, supervision, signs and cancellation criteria
- Preparation of the protocol of action before person in difficulty with alert steps, help from the ground, support with material and professional activation
- Definition of the post-incident plan with initial attention, registration, communication and review of preventive measures
Workload
Study Time and Workload
300 hours of study, online and at your own pace. Move the slider to the hours a week you can really put in.
Hours a week8
Weeks to finish—
You finish around—
Who it is for
Aquatic lifeguards and first responders looking to update their rescue techniques and expand their skill set in recreational environments.Water sports instructors (surfing, kayaking, paddle surfing) who need a solid foundation in emergency prevention and response.Healthcare professionals (nurses, paramedics) who work at aquatic events or in coastal areas and require specific rescue training.
Faculty
Academic direction and faculty
The teaching team at Navalis: working professionals who deliver and oversee the institute's programmes.
Eng. Diego Cifuentes
Cap. Javier Abaroa (MCA)
Dr. Pau Ferrer
Dr. Nuria Llobregat
Eng. Javier Bañuls
Eng. Sofía Marquina
Eng. Tomás Riera
Verified reviews
Student Reviews
Reviews collected and verified by Opynio, not written by us.
Outcomes
Learning Outcomes
- 01Mastering self-rescue and partner rescue
- 02Assessing and mitigating risks in recreational aquatic environments
- 03Apply towing and transport techniques for injured persons
- 04Use the appropriate rescue equipment and keep it in optimal condition
- 05Establish effective and coordinated communication during rescue operations
- 06Provide basic life support and first aid to victims of aquatic accidents
Careers
Career Opportunities
01Lifeguard at recreational facilities: swimming pools, water parks, beaches, reservoirs.
02Recreational water activities instructor: swimming lessons, kayaking, paddle surfing, snorkeling, recreational diving.
03Water adventure activity guide: canyoning, rafting, cave diving (with additional training).
04Member of volunteer rescue teams: Civil Protection, Red Cross (requires additional training and certifications).
05Security personnel at water events: swimming competitions, triathlons, beach festivals.
06Summer camp and after-school activity monitor: responsible for safety and supervision in water activities.
07Emergency Medical Technician (EMT): Basic life support in The aquatic environment (requires EMT training).
08Trainer in aquatic risk prevention and first aid: awareness and training in aquatic safety.
09```
Questions
Entry Requirements
Preventing and responding to emergencies in recreational environments to ensure the safety of participants.
Yes. The itinerary includes ECDIS/Radar-ARPA/BRM with harbor, ocean, fog, storm, and SAR scenarios.
Online with live sessions; hybrid option for simulator/practical placements through agreements.
Recreational lifeguards focus on safety and incident prevention in recreational settings, while professional lifeguards respond to emergencies in a variety of situations, often of greater complexity and risk.
Recommended functional SMCP. We offer support materials for standard phraseology.
Yes, with a relevant degree or experience in maritime/port operations. The admissions interview will confirm suitability.
Optional (3–6 months) through Companies & Collaborations and the Alumni Network.
Simulator practice (rubrics), defeat plans, SOPs, checklists, micro-tests and applied TFM.
A degree from Navalis Magna Institute + operational portfolio (tracks, SOPs, reports and KPIs) useful for audits and employment.
Online admissions
Admissions Process
No waiting for a phone call. If your documents are complete, you can pay in the same session.
Entry requirements
Physical Aptitudes:Good general physical condition and demonstrable aquatic skills (swimming, floating).Medical certificate of fitness for underwater activities and rescue (mandatory).Prior Knowledge:Recommended: Basic first aid and CPR.Desirable: Basic knowledge of the natural environment (hydrology, meteorology).Personal Equipment:Wetsuit suitable for the water temperature (recommended).Appropriate footwear for the aquatic environment (booties, water shoes).Swimming goggles and sunscreen.Documentation:Completed registration form.Medical certificate of
Questions?
Frequently Asked Questions
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