Water sports safety course
Why this course?
The Water Sports Safety
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.
- Modality: Online
- Level: Cursos
- Hours: 150 H
- Start date: 26-07-2026
Availability: 1 in stock
Who is it aimed at?
- 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 interested in standardizing safety protocols and minimizing incidents.
- Students of Physical Education/Sports Sciences and experienced enthusiasts seeking comprehensive training with a practical approach and current regulations.
Flexibility Educational
Adapted to your pace: 24/7 accessible online content, discussion forums, and personalized tutoring to answer your questions.
Objectives and competencies
Implement efficient rescue protocols:
Quickly assess the situation, prioritize the safety of the crew and survivors, and communicate effectively with emergency services, using all available resources on board.
Assessing and mitigating risks in aquatic environments:
“Identify hazards (currents, tides, weather) and implement preventive measures (safety zones, contingency plans, protective equipment).”
Provide first aid and basic life support in aquatic emergencies:
“Perform CPR and use an AED effectively, recognizing drowning and airway obstruction.”
Supervise and maintain aquatic safety equipment:
“Perform scheduled and corrective inspections, documenting findings and ensuring continuous operation according to manufacturer standards and current regulations.”
Educate about accident prevention and safe practices in the water:
“Implement safety protocols for aquatic activities, including risk assessment, proper use of personal protective equipment, and emergency response.”
Manage and coordinate safety at aquatic events and activities:
Assess specific risks of the aquatic environment, implement preventive measures and emergency response protocols, ensuring compliance with current regulations and the protection of participants.
Curriculum - Modules
- Comprehensive Maritime Incident Management: protocols, roles, and chain of command for coordinated response
- Operational Planning and Execution: briefing, routes, weather windows, and go/no-go criteria
- Rapid Risk Assessment: criticality matrix, scene control, and decision-making under pressure
- Operational Communication: VHF/GMDSS, standardized reports, and inter-agency liaison
- Tactical Mobility and Safe Boarding: RHIB maneuvers, approach, mooring, and recovery
- Equipment and Technologies: PPE, signaling, satellite tracking, and field data logging
- Immediate Care of the Affected: primary assessment, hypothermia, trauma, and stabilization for evacuation
- Adverse Environmental Conditions: swell, Visibility, flows, and operational mitigation
Simulation and training: critical scenarios, use of VR/AR, and exercises with performance metrics
Documentation and continuous improvement: lessons learned, indicators (MTTA/MTTR), and SOP updates
- Fundamentals of Water Safety: Risks, Hazards, and Prevention
- Legislation and Regulations: National and International Standards
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Selection, Use, and Maintenance
- Swimming and Water Survival Techniques: Adaptations and Rescue
- First Aid and Basic Life Support (BLS): Action Protocols
- Water Rescue With and Without Equipment: Approach, Contact, and Extraction Techniques
- Handling Rescue Vessels: Safe and Effective Use
- Communication in Water Emergencies: Alert and Coordination Systems
- Emergency Planning and Drills: Preparation and Response
- Aspects Psychological aspects of rescue: stress, fatigue, and self-care
‘
- Physiology of Drowning: Types, stages, and risk factors.
- Water Rescue Equipment: Wetsuits, fins, masks, snorkels, ropes, rescue buoys, and rescue boards. Maintenance and proper use.
- Rescue Swimming Techniques: Approach swimming, towing swimming, escape swimming, and water entry techniques.
- Rescue Techniques With and Without Equipment: Rescuing conscious and unconscious victims in different scenarios (pools, rivers, sea).
- Extracting Victims from the Water: Solo and team extraction techniques. Spinal cord injury considerations.
Basic Life Support (BLS) in aquatic environments: Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in the water and on shore. Adaptations and challenges.
First aid for aquatic injuries: Treatment of wounds, sunburn, jellyfish stings, hypothermia, and hyperthermia.
Communication and signaling in aquatic emergencies: Use of whistles, flags, and other signaling devices. Communication protocols with emergency services.
Risk assessment in aquatic environments: Identification of hazards in swimming pools, beaches, rivers, and lakes. Preventive and safety measures.
Legislation and regulations on aquatic safety: Local, national, and international regulations on safety in aquatic facilities and beaches. Legal responsibilities of the rescuer.
‘
- Introduction to aquatic rescue: history, statistics, and prevention.
- Basic rescue equipment: fins, mask, snorkel, wetsuits, life jackets.
- Swimming techniques applied to rescue: efficient strokes, towing, and transport.
- Safe entry into the water: different methods depending on the situation and environment.
- Approaching the victim: communication, assessment, and approach techniques.
- Contact rescue techniques: grips, releases, and victim control.
- Non-contact rescue techniques: rope throws, floats, and use of boats.
- Extracting the victim from the water: techniques on the beach, in the pool, and from boats.
- Basic First Aid in Aquatic Environments: CPR, hemorrhage control, treatment of hypothermia and drowning.
- Legal and Ethical Considerations in Aquatic Rescue: responsibility, consent, and safety.
‘
- Fundamentals of Aquatic Safety: principles, regulations, and legal responsibility.
- Risk Analysis in Aquatic Environments: hazard identification, assessment, and control.
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): selection, use, and proper maintenance.
- Swimming and Movement Techniques in Different Aquatic Conditions: efficiency, endurance, and safety.
- Basic First Aid and Aquatic Life Support: CPR, management of drowning and common injuries.
- Communication and Signaling in Aquatic Emergencies: protocols, codes, and devices.
- Rescue Techniques With and Without Equipment: reach, tow, and safe extraction of victims.
- Intervention in Aquatic Incidents: initial assessment, prioritization of actions, and Coordination.
Rescue vessel handling: navigation, maneuvers, and safety.
Psychological aspects of water rescue: stress, fatigue, and emotional support for victims and rescuers.
‘
- System Architecture and Components: Structural design, materials, and subsystems (mechanical, electrical, electronic, and fluid) with selection and assembly criteria for marine environments
- Fundamentals and Principles of Operation: Physical and engineering foundations (thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, electricity, control, and materials) that explain performance and operating limits
- Safety and Environmental (SHE): Risk analysis, PPE, LOTO, hazardous atmospheres, spill and waste management, and emergency response plans
- Applicable Regulations and Standards: IMO/ISO/IEC requirements and local regulations;
- Conformance criteria, certification, and best practices for operation and maintenance
- Inspection, testing, and diagnostics: Visual/dimensional inspection, functional testing, data analysis, and predictive techniques (vibration, thermography, fluid analysis) to identify root causes
- Preventive and predictive maintenance: Hourly/cycle/seasonal plans, lubrication, adjustments, calibrations, consumable replacement, post-service verification, and operational reliability
- Instrumentation, tools, and metrology: Measuring and testing equipment, diagnostic software, calibration and traceability; selection criteria, safe use, and storage
- Onboard integration and interfaces: Mechanical, electrical, fluid, and data compatibility; Sealing and watertightness, EMC/EMI, corrosion protection, and interoperability testing.
Quality, acceptance testing, and commissioning: process and materials control, FAT/SAT, bench and sea trials, go/no-go criteria, and evidence documentation.
Technical documentation and integrated practice: logs, checklists, reports, and a complete case study (safety → diagnosis → intervention → verification → report) applicable to any system.
Plan de estudio - Módulos
- Comprehensive Maritime Incident Management: protocols, roles, and chain of command for coordinated response
- Operational Planning and Execution: briefing, routes, weather windows, and go/no-go criteria
- Rapid Risk Assessment: criticality matrix, scene control, and decision-making under pressure
- Operational Communication: VHF/GMDSS, standardized reports, and inter-agency liaison
- Tactical Mobility and Safe Boarding: RHIB maneuvers, approach, mooring, and recovery
- Equipment and Technologies: PPE, signaling, satellite tracking, and field data logging
- Immediate Care of the Affected: primary assessment, hypothermia, trauma, and stabilization for evacuation
- Adverse Environmental Conditions: swell, Visibility, flows, and operational mitigation
Simulation and training: critical scenarios, use of VR/AR, and exercises with performance metrics
Documentation and continuous improvement: lessons learned, indicators (MTTA/MTTR), and SOP updates
- Fundamentals of Water Safety: Risks, Hazards, and Prevention
- Legislation and Regulations: National and International Standards
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Selection, Use, and Maintenance
- Swimming and Water Survival Techniques: Adaptations and Rescue
- First Aid and Basic Life Support (BLS): Action Protocols
- Water Rescue With and Without Equipment: Approach, Contact, and Extraction Techniques
- Handling Rescue Vessels: Safe and Effective Use
- Communication in Water Emergencies: Alert and Coordination Systems
- Emergency Planning and Drills: Preparation and Response
- Aspects Psychological aspects of rescue: stress, fatigue, and self-care
‘
- Physiology of Drowning: Types, stages, and risk factors.
- Water Rescue Equipment: Wetsuits, fins, masks, snorkels, ropes, rescue buoys, and rescue boards. Maintenance and proper use.
- Rescue Swimming Techniques: Approach swimming, towing swimming, escape swimming, and water entry techniques.
- Rescue Techniques With and Without Equipment: Rescuing conscious and unconscious victims in different scenarios (pools, rivers, sea).
- Extracting Victims from the Water: Solo and team extraction techniques. Spinal cord injury considerations.
Basic Life Support (BLS) in aquatic environments: Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in the water and on shore. Adaptations and challenges.
First aid for aquatic injuries: Treatment of wounds, sunburn, jellyfish stings, hypothermia, and hyperthermia.
Communication and signaling in aquatic emergencies: Use of whistles, flags, and other signaling devices. Communication protocols with emergency services.
Risk assessment in aquatic environments: Identification of hazards in swimming pools, beaches, rivers, and lakes. Preventive and safety measures.
Legislation and regulations on aquatic safety: Local, national, and international regulations on safety in aquatic facilities and beaches. Legal responsibilities of the rescuer.
‘
- Introduction to aquatic rescue: history, statistics, and prevention.
- Basic rescue equipment: fins, mask, snorkel, wetsuits, life jackets.
- Swimming techniques applied to rescue: efficient strokes, towing, and transport.
- Safe entry into the water: different methods depending on the situation and environment.
- Approaching the victim: communication, assessment, and approach techniques.
- Contact rescue techniques: grips, releases, and victim control.
- Non-contact rescue techniques: rope throws, floats, and use of boats.
- Extracting the victim from the water: techniques on the beach, in the pool, and from boats.
- Basic First Aid in Aquatic Environments: CPR, hemorrhage control, treatment of hypothermia and drowning.
- Legal and Ethical Considerations in Aquatic Rescue: responsibility, consent, and safety.
‘
- Fundamentals of Aquatic Safety: principles, regulations, and legal responsibility.
- Risk Analysis in Aquatic Environments: hazard identification, assessment, and control.
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): selection, use, and proper maintenance.
- Swimming and Movement Techniques in Different Aquatic Conditions: efficiency, endurance, and safety.
- Basic First Aid and Aquatic Life Support: CPR, management of drowning and common injuries.
- Communication and Signaling in Aquatic Emergencies: protocols, codes, and devices.
- Rescue Techniques With and Without Equipment: reach, tow, and safe extraction of victims.
- Intervention in Aquatic Incidents: initial assessment, prioritization of actions, and Coordination.
Rescue vessel handling: navigation, maneuvers, and safety.
Psychological aspects of water rescue: stress, fatigue, and emotional support for victims and rescuers.
‘
- System Architecture and Components: Structural design, materials, and subsystems (mechanical, electrical, electronic, and fluid) with selection and assembly criteria for marine environments
- Fundamentals and Principles of Operation: Physical and engineering foundations (thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, electricity, control, and materials) that explain performance and operating limits
- Safety and Environmental (SHE): Risk analysis, PPE, LOTO, hazardous atmospheres, spill and waste management, and emergency response plans
- Applicable Regulations and Standards: IMO/ISO/IEC requirements and local regulations;
- Conformance criteria, certification, and best practices for operation and maintenance
- Inspection, testing, and diagnostics: Visual/dimensional inspection, functional testing, data analysis, and predictive techniques (vibration, thermography, fluid analysis) to identify root causes
- Preventive and predictive maintenance: Hourly/cycle/seasonal plans, lubrication, adjustments, calibrations, consumable replacement, post-service verification, and operational reliability
- Instrumentation, tools, and metrology: Measuring and testing equipment, diagnostic software, calibration and traceability; selection criteria, safe use, and storage
- Onboard integration and interfaces: Mechanical, electrical, fluid, and data compatibility; Sealing and watertightness, EMC/EMI, corrosion protection, and interoperability testing.
Quality, acceptance testing, and commissioning: process and materials control, FAT/SAT, bench and sea trials, go/no-go criteria, and evidence documentation.
Technical documentation and integrated practice: logs, checklists, reports, and a complete case study (safety → diagnosis → intervention → verification → report) applicable to any system.
- Introduction to Aquatic Environments: Types, Risks, and Regulations
- Pathophysiology of Drowning: Mechanisms, Phases, and Consequences
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Selection, Use, and Maintenance
- Swimming and Movement Techniques in Rescue: Efficiency and Safety
- Non-Contact Rescue Techniques: Throwing Flotation Devices
- Contact Rescue Techniques: Approaching, Controlling, and Extracting the Victim
- Basic First Aid in Water: Life Support and Stabilization
- Airway Management in Drowning Victims: Fluid Removal and Ventilation
- Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) in aquatic environments: Adaptations and challenges
Prevention of aquatic incidents: Education, signage, and surveillance
‘
- Introduction to aquatic lifeguarding: principles, responsibilities, and professional ethics.
- Physiology of drowning: stages, risk factors, and survival in the water.
- Rescue equipment: types, maintenance, and proper use (buoys, fins, ropes, boats).
- Water entry techniques: according to the situation (beach, pool, river).
- Swimming techniques: effective for rescue (crawl, breaststroke, etc.) and towing.
- Approaching the victim: assessment, communication, and control.
- Rescue techniques: direct contact, indirect contact, use of boats.
- Victim extraction: handling in different environments, considerations for Safety.
- First Aid: CPR, airway obstruction, hypothermia management, and other aquatic emergencies.
- Prevention of aquatic accidents: risk assessment, signage, and public education.
‘
- Legislation and regulations applicable to aquatic rescue: local, national, and international scope
- Risks in the aquatic environment: identification, assessment, and prevention
- Personal protective equipment (PPE): selection, use, and maintenance
- Water entry techniques: according to conditions and environment
- Rescue swimming: approach and towing techniques
- Use of rescue equipment: lifebuoys, ropes, rescue boards
- Victim extraction: in different scenarios (beaches, swimming pools, rivers)
- First aid and basic life support (BLS): action protocols
- Emergency communication: systems and protocols
- Drills and evaluation of interventions.
‘
- Introduction to Aquatic Environments: Types, Risks, and Environmental Considerations.
- Aquatic Rescue Equipment: Types, Use, Maintenance, and Limitations.
- Water Entry Techniques: Controlled, Emergency, and Environment-Specific.
- Rescue Swimming: Efficient Styles, Victim Towing, and Self-Protection.
- Basic Life Support (BLS): CPR, Choking, and Recovery Position in and out of the water.
- Specific First Aid in Aquatic Environments: Hypothermia, Drowning, and Marine Animal Injuries.
- Effective Communication in Aquatic Emergencies: Visual and Verbal Signals and Communication Systems.
- Victim Extraction: Techniques with and without Equipment.
- Stress management in rescue situations: self-control techniques and team support.
- Drills and protocol evaluation: post-rescue analysis and continuous improvement.
Safety considerations.
‘
Career opportunities
- Lifeguard at beaches and pools: Surveillance, prevention, and rescue in aquatic environments.
- Swimming and water activities instructor: Teaching swimming techniques, aquagym, etc.
- Recreational water activities monitor: Leading activities such as kayaking, paddle surfing, and snorkeling.
- Water park security personnel: Surveillance and customer service, attraction control.
- Rescue vessel crew member: Support in maritime and river rescues.
- Jet ski and recreational boat operator: Boat rental and management, user safety.
- Water activity tour guide: Organizing water activities and excursions.
- Occupational Risk Prevention Technician in Aquatic Activities: Risk assessment and control in aquatic environments.
“`
Admission requirements
Academic/professional profile:
Degree/Bachelor's degree in Nautical Science/Maritime Transport, Naval/Marine Engineering, or a related field; or proven professional experience in bridge/operations.
Language proficiency:
Recommended functional maritime English (SMCP) for simulations and technical materials.
5. Induction
Updated resume, copy of degree or seaman's book, ID card/passport, letter of motivation.
Technical requirements (for online):
Equipment with camera/microphone, stable connection, ≥ 24” monitor recommended for ECDIS/Radar-ARPA.
Admission process and dates
1. Online
application
(form + documents).
2. Academic review and interview
(profile/objectives/schedule compatibility).
3. Admission decision
(+ scholarship proposal if applicable).
4. Reservation of place
(deposit) and registration.
5. Induction
(access to campus, calendars, simulator guides).
Scholarships and grants
- 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.
Testimonials
During my training in water sports safety, I demonstrated an excellent ability to respond to simulated emergencies, rescuing “victims” efficiently and applying first aid accurately, which earned me recognition from the instructors for my speed, calmness, and professionalism.
During the Sports, Recreation and Aquatic Activities course, I overcame my fear of deep water, learned to kayak safely, and obtained aquatic lifeguard certification, skills I now use as a volunteer in my community.
I successfully completed my water sports safety training, passing all physical and theoretical tests. I applied my newly acquired knowledge to rescue a windsurfer in distress during an unexpected storm, providing first aid and stabilizing him until emergency services arrived. Both the windsurfer and the medical professionals praised my quick and effective actions.
“I completed the water sports safety training and applied the techniques learned during a kitesurfing competition. I identified a competitor in difficulty, reached him quickly, stabilized his board and assisted him to shore, preventing a possible tragedy and ensuring the continuation of the event without incident.”
Frequently asked questions
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 University + operational portfolio (tracks, SOPs, reports and KPIs) useful for audits and employment.
- Introduction to Aquatic Environments: Types, Risks, and Environmental Considerations.
- Aquatic Rescue Equipment: Types, Use, Maintenance, and Limitations.
- Water Entry Techniques: Controlled, Emergency, and Environment-Specific.
- Rescue Swimming: Efficient Styles, Victim Towing, and Self-Protection.
- Basic Life Support (BLS): CPR, Choking, and Recovery Position in and out of the water.
- Specific First Aid in Aquatic Environments: Hypothermia, Drowning, and Marine Animal Injuries.
- Effective Communication in Aquatic Emergencies: Visual and Verbal Signals and Communication Systems.
- Victim Extraction: Techniques with and without Equipment.
- Stress management in rescue situations: self-control techniques and team support.
- Drills and protocol evaluation: post-rescue analysis and continuous improvement.
Safety considerations.
‘
Request information
- Complete the Application Form
- Attach your CV/Qualifications (if you have them to hand).
- Indicate your preferred cohort (January/May/September) and whether you want the hybrid option with simulator sessions.
Teachers
Eng. Tomás Riera
Full Professor
Eng. Tomás Riera
Full Professor
Naval engineer specializing in the selection, integration, and optimization of propulsion systems for yachts, high-speed craft, and service vessels.
Eng. Sofía Marquina
Full Professor
Eng. Sofía Marquina
Full Professor
Materials engineer specializing in marine composites and corrosion protection systems for ships, yachts, and port structures.
Eng. Javier Bañuls
Full Professor
Eng. Javier Bañuls
Full Professor
Naval electrical engineer with over fifteen years of experience in the design, integration, and operation of power and automation systems.
Dr. Nuria Llobregat
Full Professor
Dr. Nuria Llobregat
Full Professor
Specialist in meteorological and operational decision-making for coastal and offshore navigation, integrating wind, wave, and current models.
Dr. Pau Ferrer
Full Professor
Dr. Pau Ferrer
Full Professor
Naval engineer with a PhD in applied hydrodynamics and over a decade of experience designing high-performance hulls and marine structures.
Cap. Javier Abaroa (MCA)
Full Professor
Cap. Javier Abaroa (MCA)
Full Professor
MCA-certified captain with command of ocean-going vessels, specializing in advanced maneuvering, navigation management, and bridge safety.