Paddle Sports Safety & Rescue Course
Essential safety skills for paddlers in Southampton
If you spend time on the water, knowing what to do when things go wrong is just as important as knowing how to paddle.
Our Paddle Sports Safety & Rescue Course at Southampton Water Activities Centre (SWAC) is a practical, hands-on course designed to give paddlers the skills and confidence to deal with real-world situations.
Whether you paddle a SUP, kayak or canoe, this course teaches you how to stay safe, assist others, and respond effectively in an emergency.
What is the Paddle Sports Safety & Rescue Course?
This is a 1-day practical course focused on safety awareness, prevention, and rescue techniques for paddle sports users.
You will spend the majority of the day on the water, working through realistic scenarios that build confidence and competence in a controlled environment.
The course is suitable for recreational paddlers and those supporting others on the water, including club members and aspiring Paddle UK Instructors & Leaders
Who is this course for?
This course is ideal for:
- Regular paddleboarders (SUP users)
- Kayakers and canoeists
- Members of paddle clubs
- Watersports assistants and volunteers
- Anyone progressing towards instructor or leadership roles
- Anyone who wants to paddle more safely and confidently
You should already be comfortable paddling your chosen craft.
What will you learn?
This is a highly practical course designed to prepare you for real situations.
Safety awareness
- Understanding risk in paddle sports
- Weather, wind and water conditions
- Safe launching and landing
- Equipment checks and preparation
- Personal clothing and buoyancy
Self-rescue skills
- Falling in safely
- Deep water reboarding (SUP/kayak/canoe)
- Recovering your craft
- Managing fatigue and cold
- Staying calm and in control
Assisting others
- Helping another paddler back onto their craft
- Towing techniques
- Group awareness and communication
- Managing a tired or struggling paddler
Rescue scenarios
- Realistic on-water scenarios
- Decision making under pressure
- When to assist and when to call for help
- Understanding your limits
Why take this course?
Most incidents on the water are preventable — but only if you know what to look for and how to react.
This course will:
- Build confidence in open water
- Improve your decision-making
- Make you a safer paddler
- Enable you to help others
- Prepare you for more advanced training
It is one of the most valuable courses you can take if you regularly paddle on Southampton Water, the River Itchen, or the Solent.
Why train at SWAC?
Learning at Southampton Water Activities Centre gives you access to a varied and realistic training environment.
The SWAC advantage
- Sheltered and open water options
- Direct access to real tidal conditions
- Experienced, safety-focused instructors
- Ideal training environment for real-world paddling
- Excellent facilities and easy access
We don’t just teach theory — we train you for the conditions you will actually paddle in.
What is included?
- Full day of instruction
- Use of paddle craft (if required)
- Loan of a Buoyancy aid
- All safety equipment required for training
- Tea & Coffee
- Parking on Site
What is not included?
- Wetsuit Hire (£5/day)
- Lunch
What should I bring?
- Clothing suitable for immersion in water
- Old trainers or water shoes
- Towel and change of clothes
- Lunch and drinks
- Weather-appropriate layers (warm or sun protection)
Course format
- Duration: 1 day
- Time: Typically 0915–1645
- Location: SWAC, Southampton
Minimum requirements
- Confident paddler
- Able to swim
- Comfortable in the water
What’s next?
After completing this course, you may wish to progress to:
- Paddlesports Instructor
- Paddle sports Leader
- Regular paddle club participation
Book your Paddle Sports Safety & Rescue Course
If you paddle regularly, this course is not optional — it’s essential.
Join us at Southampton Water Activities Centre and gain the skills to paddle safely, confidently, and responsibly.