Open water environments present unique challenges and risks, making advanced rescue skills essential for safety and emergency response. The LICQual Level 3 Award in Open Water Emergency Rescue is designed to equip professionals with the knowledge, techniques, and confidence to handle emergency situations in lakes, rivers, and other open water settings. This Level 3 award combines practical training with theoretical understanding, ensuring that participants are fully prepared to act efficiently and safely in real-world scenarios.
This course is ideal for lifeguards, rescue teams, emergency services personnel, and supervisors responsible for aquatic safety in natural water environments. By completing the LICQual Level 3 Open Water Emergency Rescue, learners gain internationally recognized certification that validates their expertise in emergency response, rescue planning, and operational safety. The programme emphasizes hands-on skills, situational awareness, and team coordination to ensure that learners can make informed decisions under pressure.
Participants will explore key areas such as rescue techniques for different water conditions, risk assessment, safe approach methods, casualty management, and the use of rescue equipment. The training also covers planning and leading emergency drills, understanding environmental hazards, and ensuring compliance with safety standards. This comprehensive approach helps learners develop both competence and confidence in open water rescue operations.
By the end of the LICQual Level 3 Award in Open Water Emergency Rescue, participants will be able to conduct effective rescue operations, coordinate emergency response teams, and manage open water safety with professionalism. This course not only enhances career prospects in water safety and emergency services but also builds practical skills that can save lives in real-life situations.
Join the growing network of certified water safety professionals who trust the LICQual Level 3 Open Water Emergency Rescue to advance their skills, gain credible certification, and make a meaningful impact on open water safety. Take the next step in your career and become a recognized expert in open water emergency rescue.
Course Overview
Qualification Title
LICQual Level 3 Award in Open Water Emergency Rescue
Total Units
6
Total Credits
6
GLH
12
Qualification #
LICQ2200630
Qualification Specification
To enroll in the LICQual Level 3 Award in Open Water Emergency Rescue, applicants must meet the following criteria:
|
Qualification# |
Unit Title |
Credits |
GLH |
|---|---|---|---|
|
LICQ2200630-1 |
Fundamentals of Open Water Emergency Rescue |
1 |
6 |
|
LICQ2200630-2 |
Types and Use of Open Water Rescue Equipment |
1 |
6 |
|
LICQ2200630-3 |
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for Open Water Rescue |
1 |
6 |
|
LICQ2200630-4 |
Practical Rescue Skills in Open Water Environments |
1 |
6 |
|
LICQ2200630-5 |
Safety, Risk Assessment, and Incident Management |
1 |
6 |
|
LICQ2200630-6 |
Teamwork, Communication, and Post-Rescue Care |
1 |
6 |
By the end of this course, learners will be able to:
1. Fundamentals of Open Water Emergency Rescue
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Explain the principles and objectives of open water emergency rescue.
- Describe the stages of drowning and survival timelines.
- Identify the roles, responsibilities, and ethical considerations of rescuers.
- Demonstrate awareness of environmental conditions affecting rescue operations.
2. Types and Use of Open Water Rescue Equipment
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Identify and describe the main types of open water rescue equipment.
- Select appropriate equipment for specific rescue situations.
- Demonstrate correct handling, operation, and storage of rescue tools.
- Apply maintenance procedures to ensure equipment readiness.
3. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for Open Water Rescue
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
- List the different types of PPE used in open water rescue.
- Demonstrate proper fitting and adjustment of PPE.
- Inspect PPE for damage and determine its serviceability.
- Explain safe storage and maintenance practices for PPE.
4. Practical Rescue Skills in Open Water Environments
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Demonstrate safe entry and exit techniques in open water.
- Apply swimming and towing methods with and without rescue equipment.
- Perform rescues for conscious and unconscious casualties.
- Safely recover casualties to shore or rescue craft.
5. Safety, Risk Assessment, and Incident Management
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Identify common hazards and risks in open water environments.
- Conduct a dynamic risk assessment during rescue operations.
- Implement emergency action plans and incident response protocols.
- Record and report incidents in accordance with established procedures.
6. Teamwork, Communication, and Post-Rescue Care
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Communicate effectively with rescue team members during operations.
- Apply standard hand signals and verbal commands in open water scenarios.
- Deliver basic first aid and post-rescue care to casualties.
- Provide psychological reassurance and support to survivors.
The LICQual Level 3 Award in Open Water Emergency Rescue is designed for professionals and individuals who want to develop advanced skills in open water safety and emergency response. This Level 3 award is perfect for lifeguards, rescue teams, emergency services personnel, and supervisors responsible for safety in natural water environments. Participants will gain practical expertise in rescue techniques, risk assessment, and team coordination for real-world open water scenarios.
Lifeguards and Aquatic Centre Staff
- Pool lifeguards seeking advanced open water rescue skills
- Supervisors managing safety operations in lakes and rivers
- Staff conducting emergency drills and safety checks
- Individuals handling rescue equipment inspection and use
- Coordinators leading aquatic safety programs
- Professionals ensuring compliance with safety regulations
Coastal and Marine Facility Teams
- Beach safety officers monitoring open water conditions
- Staff overseeing marinas, docks, and recreational water areas
- Professionals conducting emergency rescues in open water
- Team leaders implementing safety protocols and procedures
- Staff managing visitor safety during aquatic activities
- Individuals assessing and mitigating water hazards
Emergency Services Personnel
- Fire and rescue teams specializing in open water emergencies
- Paramedics and first responders enhancing rescue techniques
- Flood response and disaster management professionals
- Staff coordinating open water emergency drills
- Individuals implementing risk assessment and safety planning
- Team leaders supervising water rescue operations
Hospitality and Tourism Staff
- Resort and hotel staff managing lakeside or riverside activities
- Event coordinators running safe open water activities
- Staff ensuring guest safety during aquatic excursions
- Professionals implementing local safety regulations
- Supervisors maintaining health and safety standards
- Staff managing emergency response in recreational areas
Trainers and Educators
- Instructors delivering open water rescue training programs
- Coaches guiding rescue technique and equipment handling
- Professionals developing educational safety content
- Trainers assessing participant skills and knowledge
- Staff mentoring teams in emergency response practices
- Individuals promoting awareness of open water hazards
Government and Regulatory Staff
- Officials enforcing open water safety regulations
- Inspectors evaluating natural water sites for safety compliance
- Professionals developing water safety policies and guidelines
- Staff conducting audits and reporting incidents
- Individuals managing regional or national water safety programs
- Team leaders recommending improvements for safe operations
Aspiring Water Rescue Leaders
- Individuals aiming to lead open water rescue teams
- Professionals seeking career advancement in aquatic safety
- Staff managing long-term emergency response strategies
- Leaders implementing operational safety procedures
- Professionals gaining internationally recognized certification
- Team leaders enhancing practical open water rescue skills
Assessment and Verification
All units within this qualification are subject to internal assessment by the approved centre and external verification by LICQual. The qualification follows a criterion-referenced assessment approach, ensuring that learners meet all specified learning outcomes.
To achieve a ‘Pass’ in any unit, learners must provide valid, sufficient, and authentic evidence demonstrating their attainment of all learning outcomes and compliance with the prescribed assessment criteria. The Assessor is responsible for evaluating the evidence and determining whether the learner has successfully met the required standards.
Assessors must maintain a clear and comprehensive audit trail, documenting the basis for their assessment decisions to ensure transparency, consistency, and compliance with quality assurance requirements.