Water Safety Training - DEFRA Aligned FAQs Water Safety Training - DEFRA Aligned, formerly known as the National Water Safety Management Programme (DEFRA), is industry-leading water safety training designed for organisations whose business activities take place in, on, or near water. It is designed for anyone whose role involves operating around water, as well as for employers seeking training aligned with DEFRA standards. Water Safety Training - DEFRA Aligned teaches candidates essential knowledge and water safety skills to make informed decisions about managing water safety. Skip to a specific question: Why is water safety training important? How do I know which Water Safety Training - DEFRA Aligned module is right for me or my employees? What is the difference between the National Water Safety Management Programme (NWSMP) and Water Safety Training - DEFRA Aligned? How do I find a Water Safety Training - DEFRA Aligned course near me? Is Water Safety Training - DEFRA Aligned suitable for teams working near floods? What are the consequences of not offering water safety training to employees? How long are Water Safety Training - DEFRA Aligned modules valid? What type of businesses are Water Safety Training - DEFRA Aligned modules suitable for? How long are the Water Safety Training - DEFRA Aligned modules/courses? How much does RLSS UK’s Water Safety Training - DEFRA Aligned modules cost? Do I need equipment or safety clothing when attending an RLSS UK Water Safety Training - DEFRA Aligned module? Will I have to get in the water during a Water Safety Training - DEFRA Aligned course? What is Annex G of RLSS UK Water Safety Training - DEFRA Aligned course? Why is water safety training important? Water safety training is critical for any business with employees working in, on, or near water. Not only is it a legal requirement, but it is essential for ensuring your workforce remains safe. Incidents with water can happen quickly and unexpectedly, and the consequences can be severe. Hence, having the knowledge and skills to make informed decisions about managing water safety is important. Learn more about water safety training for the workplace. How do I know which Water Safety Training - DEFRA Aligned module is right for me or my employees? Which Water Safety Training - DEFRA Aligned module is most suitable for you and your employees depends on the nature of work and proximity to water. We have created a helpful guide to support you to identify which water safety training is most appropriate for your business needs. Read our Picking the Right Water Safety Training for Your Business guide. If, after reading the article linked above, you are still unsure which is the most appropriate water safety training, then please contact the RLSS UK team at [email protected] or 0300 323 0096 to discuss your specific requirements; the team will be pleased to advise you on the most suitable option. What is the difference between the National Water Safety Management Programme (NWSMP) and Water Safety Training - DEFRA Aligned? The National Water Safety Management Programme (NWSMP) is suitable for those who provide safety cover during structured managed activities such as teachers on field trips or Community Safety Wardens. Water Safety Training - DEFRA Aligned are training modules that specifically meet the learning outcomes and objectives of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA). Water Safety Training - DEFRA Aligned modules are specifically aimed at organisations whose employees will be working in, on and near inland waterways as part of their job role. If you want to know more about which course suits your business needs, please read our How to Pick the Correct Water Safety Training for Your Business guide. How do I find a Water Safety Training - DEFRA Aligned course near me? Water Safety Training - DEFRA Aligned courses run across England, Wales, and Ireland. You can find a Water Safety Training - DEFRA Aligned course near you by viewing RLSS UK Course Finder or by scrolling to the bottom of the Water Safety Training - DEFRA Aligned webpage to view information about our Trainer Assessors. Is Water Safety Training - DEFRA Aligned suitable for teams working near floods? With bad weather set to continue and serious flood warnings becoming the norm, safety around floodwater could mean the difference between life and death. The Water Safety Training - DEFRA Aligned training modules are suitable for a range of employers and their employees, including ecologists, environmental agencies, construction workers, private estates, waterways agencies and trusts, wildlife trusts, Local Authorities/Trusts, Councils and Parish Councils that have teams working near floods, and any other companies that have business activities near water. What are the consequences of not offering water safety training to employees? Recognised and respected water safety training is more than a legal requirement; it’s a crucial investment in the wellbeing of your employees. Incidents can happen quickly and unexpectedly, and the consequences can be severe. It’s imperative, therefore, that organisations take the necessary steps to ensure the safety of their employees. To find out more about why water safety training matters, please visit: www.rlss.org.uk/blog/why-water-safety-training-matters How long are Water Safety Training - DEFRA Aligned modules valid? The validity of each Water Safety Training DEFRA Aligned module differs. DEFRA Module 1 Water & Flood Awareness - Valid for 1 Year DEFRA Module 1 with Annex G Water and Flood Non-rescue Support Operations - Valid for 3 Years DEFRA Module 2 Water & Flood First Responder - Valid for 3 Years DEFRA Module 2 Water & Flood First Responder Recertification - Valid for 3 Years DEFRA Module 3 Water & Flood Rescue Technician - Valid for 3 Years DEFRA Module 3 Water & Flood Rescue Technician Recertification - Valid for 3 Years Coastal Waterways Module 1: Coastal Water Awareness - Valid for 1 Year If you would like further support, please contact the RLSS UK Customer Services directly on 0300 323 0096 or email [email protected]. Thank you. What type of businesses are Water Safety Training - DEFRA Aligned modules suitable for? RLSS UK’s Water Safety Training - DEFRA Aligned modules are suitable for workers who may work on, in or near water as part of their role. Depending on the business activities, the module the staff need to complete may vary; modules available include: Module 1 - Water & Flood Awareness Training Module 1 with& Annex G - Water and& Flood Non-Rescue Support Module 2 – Water & Flood First Responder Module 3 – Water & Flood Rescue Technician Coastal Waterways Module 1: Coastal Water Awareness The types of businesses that need Water Safety Training that is DEFRA Aligned includes, but is not restricted to, Ecologists, Construction Workers, Groundworkers, Site Managers, Utilities Engineers, Emergency Services, Wildlife Trusts staff, Waterway Agencies, Flood Control Personnel, Watercourse Maintenance staff and Environment Engineers, Environment Agencies, flood technicians and flood response teams, River Water Quality Surveyors. To help you choose the correct water safety training for your business needs, please visit our How to Pick the Correct Water Safety Training for Your Business guide. How long are the Water Safety Training - DEFRA Aligned modules/courses? The course duration is dependent on which modules you are attending: Module 1 - Water & Flood Awareness Training - 3 Hours Module 1 with Annex G - Water and Flood Non-Rescue Support Operations - 6 hours Module 2 – Water & Flood First Responder - 14 hours Module 3 – Water & Flood Rescue Technician - 26 Hours Coastal Waterways Module 1 – Coastal Waterways Awareness - 3 Hours To find a RLSS UK Water Safety Training - DEFRA Aligned course near you, please visit www.rlss.org.uk/course-finder. How much does RLSS UK’s Water Safety Training - DEFRA Aligned modules cost? Water Safety Training - DEFRA Aligned modules typically cost between £150 and £250 (depending on the modules taken, venue and location). To find a Water Safety Training - DEFRA Aligned course near you, please visit www.rlss.org.uk/course-finder. Do I need equipment or safety clothing when attending an RLSS UK Water Safety Training - DEFRA Aligned module? The trainer delivering the course may supply all the equipment and safety clothing you require, but it is important to check this with your specific course provider before the course. Will I have to get in the water during a Water Safety Training - DEFRA Aligned course? Yes, you are required to enter the water for all Water Safety Training - DEFRA Aligned modules except Module 1 – Water & Flood Awareness Training. What is Annex G of RLSS UK Water Safety Training - DEFRA Aligned course? Annex G, formally H, is a Water and Flood Non-Rescue Support Operations training module. It is designed for individuals and businesses who may need to support rescue organisations, especially in response to flooding. It also covers general water safety awareness training and basic self-rescue techniques. Learn more about Annex G module training. Manage Cookie Preferences