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
Water sports safety course
courseThis course provides you with the essential tools to enjoy the water with confidence and responsibility. Learn water rescue techniques, specific first aid, and accident prevention in different environments (pools, lakes…
Duration300 h
FormatOnline
Starts7 December
Places20 / 20
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Programme overview
What is the Water sports safety course?
course
This course provides you with the essential tools to enjoy the water with confidence and responsibility. Learn water rescue techniques, specific first aid, and accident prevention in different environments (pools, lakes, sea). Master the handling of safety equipment, risk assessment, and effective communication in emergency situations.
Differentiating Advantages
- Practical Approach: Realistic simulations and in-water exercises to apply your knowledge.
- Certified Instructors: Professionals with extensive experience in water rescue and safety.
- Adaptability: Safety protocols for various activities (swimming, kayaking, paddle surfing, etc.).
- Recognized Certification: Validates your skills to work or enjoy water sports safely.
- Community: Join a network of enthusiasts committed to water safety.
Programme type
Course
Study mode
Online
Duration
300 hours
Modules
5
Start date
11-12-2026
Programme highlights
- Crucial Fundamentals: Master rescue techniques and first aid in aquatic environments.
- Risk Prevention: Learn to identify and mitigate potential hazards in different aquatic scenarios.
- Essential Equipment: Familiarize yourself with the correct use and maintenance of essential safety equipment.
- Current Legislation: Understand current regulations and legal responsibilities when practicing water sports.
- Practical Simulations: Participate in realistic exercises to apply your knowledge and improve your response capabilities.
- Prepare to act with confidence and effectiveness, ensuring the safety of all in the water.
Curriculum
Programme Structure
The programme is structured in 5 modules, listed below in order of study.
01
Basics of safety, risk prevention and responsibility in water sports
- Safety concept in water sports and differences between prevention, self-protection, rescue, supervision and emergency management
- Water sports typologies: open water swimming, surfing, paddle surfing, kayaking, light sailing, snorkeling, recreational diving and guided activities
- Main Hazards: Drowning, Hypothermia, Fatigue, Injuries, Currents, Waves, Insolation, Disorientation and Collisions
- Relationship between fitness, experience, material, meteorology, environment and safe decision making
- Responsibility of the participant, instructor, guide, monitor, organiser and companion during the activity
02
Assessment of the environment, meteorology, sea, rivers, lakes and safe practice conditions
- Basic reading of wind, waves, tides, currents, temperature, visibility, storms and sudden changes in climate
- Identification of safe zones, prohibited areas, navigation channels, rocks, piers, boats and obstacles
- Evaluation of beaches, natural pools, rivers, reservoirs, lakes, marinas and supervised practice areas
- Signage, flags, official notices, local regulations and recommendations for rescue services
- Planning of routes, entry and exit points, schedules, group, communication and return conditions
03
Equipment, safety equipment and personal preparation for water activities
- Vests, flotation aids, neoprene suits, hulls, booties, goggles, whistles, ropes and signalling devices
- Selection and review of tables, kayaks, oars, candles, fins, masks, bottles, regulators and specific material by activity
- Correct adjustment of equipment, pre-check, maintenance, cleaning and detection of deteriorated material
- Physical preparation, hydration, sun protection, feeding, heating and fatigue prevention
- Basic communication: manual signals, whistle, radio, protected telephone, location and notice to third parties
04
Basic techniques of self-protection, initial rescue and action in the face of aquatic emergencies
- Self-protection fundamentals: conserve energy, maintain flotation, ask for help, avoid panic and orient yourself towards safe zone
- Basic support techniques from ground, use of floating elements, scope, launch and warning to emergency services
- Action against cramps, exhaustion, hypothermia, heat stroke, cuts, bruises, stings and frequent injuries
- Principles of safe rescue without risking the rescuer and limits of action of non-specialised persons
- Coordination with lifeguards, instructors, support boats, health services and local authorities
05
Applied water sports safety project
- Case definition: beach, nautical school, guided activity, recreational group, camp, sports club or aquatic event
- Risk diagnosis according to activity, participants, environment, meteorology, material, supervision and resources available
- Design of the safety plan with standards, checklists, equipment, communication, routes and cancellation criteria
- Elabouration of the emergency protocol with roles, signs, first steps, contact with rescue services and registration of the incident
- Proposal for preventive training, briefing of participants, supervision of the group and continuous improvement of the system
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
Water sports monitors and instructors looking to update their knowledge in risk prevention, rescue, and first aid.Lifeguards who wish to certify or recertify their skills in the sports environment.Coaches and physical trainers who need to understand the specific safety in activities such as swimming, surfing, kayaking, or sailing.Active tourism professionals and adventure companies intereste
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
- 01Implement efficient rescue protocols
- 02Assessing and mitigating risks in aquatic environments
- 03Provide first aid and basic life support in aquatic emergencies
- 04Supervise and maintain aquatic safety equipment
- 05Educate about accident prevention and safe practices in the water
- 06Manage and coordinate safety at aquatic events and activities
Careers
Career Opportunities
01Lifeguard at beaches and pools: Surveillance, prevention, and rescue in aquatic environments.
02Swimming and water activities instructor: Teaching swimming techniques, aquagym, etc.
03Recreational water activities monitor: Leading activities such as kayaking, paddle surfing, and snorkeling.
04Water park security personnel: Surveillance and customer service, attraction control.
05Rescue vessel crew member: Support in maritime and river rescues.
06Jet ski and recreational boat operator: Boat rental and management, user safety.
07Water activity tour guide: Organizing water activities and excursions.
08Occupational Risk Prevention Technician in Aquatic Activities: Risk assessment and control in aquatic environments.
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Questions
Entry Requirements
A life jacket or personal flotation device (PFD).
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.
A life jacket or personal flotation device (PFD).
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 Profile and Skills:Excellent physical fitness and stamina in the water.Demonstrated ability in swimming, water rescue, and handling of rescue equipment.Certifications and Training:Recognized Aquatic Lifeguard certification.Certification in First Aid and Basic Life Support (BLS).Desirable: Rescue craft handling course (jet ski, speedboat).Technical Knowledge:Knowledge of the risks and hazards associated with different water sports.Understanding of applicable safety regulations in the aquatic environment.Familiarity with the use of communication equipme
Questions?
Frequently Asked Questions
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