Dr. Marina AlcoverAcademic director focused on measurable results and operational excellence in maritime education. Integrates IMO/STCW regulations and ISO 21001/9001 f
Diploma · 800 h · 8 modules
Diploma in Sports Rescue and Emergencies
This program provides you with the essential tools to become a skilled professional in prevention, rescue, and assistance in aquatic environments. You will learn the most advanced lifesaving techniques, specific first aid, and…
Duration800 h
FormatOnline
Starts28 December
Places20 / 20
Prior knowledge
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Programme overview
What is the Diploma in Sports Rescue and Emergencies?
The Diploma in Sports Lifesaving and Emergencies
This program provides you with the essential tools to become a skilled professional in prevention, rescue, and assistance in aquatic environments. You will learn the most advanced lifesaving techniques, specific first aid, and comprehensive emergency management, preparing you to act effectively and safely in any critical situation. This program combines solid theoretical knowledge with intensive practical training in real-world scenarios, guaranteeing comprehensive, high-level training.
Differential Advantages
- Professional Certification: Recognized accreditation to work as a lifeguard in various facilities.
- Realistic Drills: Practice in pools, beaches, and other aquatic environments to hone your skills.
- Specialized Equipment: Handling of state-of-the-art rescue, communication, and life support equipment.
- Comprehensive Approach: Psychological, legal, and ethical aspects of rescue and victim care.
- Networking: Connection with industry professionals and job opportunities.
Programme type
Diploma
Study mode
Online
Duration
800 hours
Modules
8
Start date
08-12-2026
Programme highlights
- Aquatic Rescue Techniques: Master the essential skills for rescue in different aquatic environments.
- Advanced First Aid: Learn to provide immediate and effective care in emergency situations.
- Emergency Management: Develop strategies for planning and responding to sports incidents.
- Legislation and Regulations: Understand the legal framework and regulations applicable to sports rescue.
- Specialized Equipment: Become familiar with the use and maintenance of rescue equipment.
- Apply your knowledge in real-life scenarios and become a professional trained to protect lives in the sports field.
Curriculum
Programme Structure
The programme is structured in 8 modules, listed below in order of study.
01
Basics of sports and professional water rescue
- History, evolution and philosophy of sports water rescue
- Legal framework, regulations and international rescue regulations
- Specific fitness for rescue athletes
- Physiology applied to effort in aquatic environment and hypoxia
- Risk prevention in natural aquatic environments and facilities
- Code of Ethics, Conduct and Profile of the Sports Lifeguard
- Organisation of events and competitions for rescue and lifeguard
- Organisation of the rescue in beaches
02
Swimming techniques applied to salvage
- Adaptation of traditional swimming styles to the rescue
- Approach swimming techniques and water sighting
- Formative diving, functional apnea and dive techniques
- Emergency water inlets from different heights and surfaces
- Drops, gripping and panic self-control techniques
- Trailer and drag of victims with and without material
- Efficient turns and transitions in competition tests
- Trailer and transport of victims
03
Equipment and equipment for sports rescue
- Rescue Material Types: Rescue Tube, Tin, Hoop and Buoy
- Use and management of the sports rescue fin
- Management of the rescue mannequin in swimming pool tests
- Use and Installation of the Rescue Rope in Ground Testing
- Introduction to Rescue Table Management (Rescue Board)
- Light boats and jet skis in sports rescue
- Maintenance, inspection and care of technical equipment
- Rescue boats and motorcycles
04
Rescue in natural environments (open water and whitewater)
- Basic Oceanography: Return Streams (Rip Currents), Waves and Tides
- Reading and evaluation of bathing areas in beaches, rivers and reservoirs
- Strategies of entry, swimming and overcoming of the breakwater
- Rescue techniques with open water table
- Rescue procedures in whitewater currents
- Search and tracking of submerged victims in reduced visibility
- Protocols for evacuation and extraction of victims in rocky areas
- Return and rescue currents in waves
05
First Aid, Basic Life Support and DEA
- Initial evaluation of the victim: primary and secondary assessment
- Basic Life Support (SVB) in Adults, Children and Infants
- Airway management and drowning rescue ventilation
- Use of the automatic external defibrillator (DEA/DESA) in aquatic environment
- Physiopathology of the drowning: syndromes and phases of drowning
- Attention to trauma, dislocations and bruises in the water
- Control of hemorrhages, shock and sea bites/bites
- Oxygen therapy in first aid
06
Complex emergencies and advanced support
- Management and stabilisation of the spinal column in water (spinal)
- Using the spinal board, collar and underwater night lady
- Supply of oxygen therapy in aquatic emergencies
- Hypothermia, heat stroke and emergencies due to overstress
- Triage and Prioritization of Victims in Multiple Accidents (IMV)
- Coordination with Emergency Medical Services (SEM / 112)
- Maintenance of the high-intervention emergency kit
- Immobilization and transfer of victims
07
Preparation and competition tests in Rescue
- Pool Rescue Competition Regulations (ILS)
- Pool tests: Mannequin trailer, obstacle overcoming and combined
- Beach / Open Water Rescue Competition Regulations
- Beach tests: Flags (flags), race with table and relays
- Tactical training planning and load dosing
- Nutrition, Hydration and Sports Recovery Strategies
- Psychology of sport applied to performance under pressure
- Rescue Competition Regulations
08
Emergency Management, Coordination and Crisis Psychology
- Structure and command in rescue and civil protection operations
- Radio communication protocols (VHF) and rescue visual signals
- Rescue Psychology: Management of Panic and Stress in the Victim
- Psychological support to the lifeguard and prevention of post-traumatic stress
- Preparation of emergency plans and self-protection in facilities
- Logistics of prevention and deployment of security devices
- Coordination protocols with emergency services
- Comprehensive Rescue and Performance Assessment Drills
Workload
Study Time and Workload
800 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
Sports professionals, coaches, and instructors seeking to expand their skills in prevention, rescue, and first aid in aquatic and terrestrial environments.Aquatic and terrestrial lifeguards wishing to update their knowledge and obtain advanced certification in rescue techniques and emergency management.Students in sports and health-related fields aspiring to specialized training in sports resc
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
- 01Manage and effectively coordinate aquatic rescue operations
- 02Assess and prevent risks in aquatic sports and recreational environments
- 03Apply life support and first aid techniques in aquatic emergency situations
- 04Develop advanced swimming and rescue skills in adverse conditions
- 05Leading rescue and emergency response teams in aquatic situations
- 06Use specialized rescue and communications equipment
Careers
Career Opportunities
01Lifeguard at beaches, pools, and aquatic facilities: prevention, surveillance, and rescue in aquatic environments.
02Emergency Medical Technician: first response in emergency situations, basic life support, and patient transport.
03Aquatic Activities Monitor/Instructor: teaching and training in swimming, lifesaving, and other aquatic disciplines.
04Aquatic Safety Manager: planning and coordination of safety measures in aquatic facilities.
05Rescue and Salvage Team Member: participation in search and rescue operations in various environments.
06Occupational Risk Prevention Technician in the Aquatic Sector: risk assessment and control in aquatic facilities and related activities.
07Lifesaving and First Aid Trainer: delivery of courses and workshops Training in rescue techniques and first aid.
08Security personnel at aquatic events: monitoring and preventing incidents at competitions, festivals, and other water-based activities.
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Questions
Entry Requirements
Emergency situations and aquatic rescue in the sports context.
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.
It covers both basic first aid and water rescue techniques.
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
Academic/Professional Profile:Technical Degree in Aquatic Rescue or equivalent (desirable); or demonstrable experience in aquatic activities and/or emergencies.Physical Aptitude:Pass physical entrance tests that certify an adequate level of swimming, endurance, and strength.Documentation:Updated CV, copy of qualifications (if applicable), medical certificate of fitness for aquatic activities, ID/Passport, civil liability insurance (optional).Other Requirements:Must be of legal age (18 years old or older), and must not suffer from any illnesses incompatible with physical and
Questions?
Frequently Asked Questions
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