LICQual Level 3 Award in Water Rescue Equipment Training (WRET)

The LICQual Level 3 Award in Water Rescue Equipment Training (WRET) is a specialised qualification designed to equip participants with the essential skills, knowledge, and competence to effectively use water rescue equipment in emergency situations. This internationally recognised course focuses on both practical and theoretical aspects of water rescue, ensuring learners can respond quickly, safely, and efficiently in a variety of aquatic environments.

Participants will gain hands-on experience with a wide range of water rescue tools and devices, including throwlines, rescue poles, life rings, flotation devices, and personal protective equipment (PPE). The course also covers risk assessment, operational safety, and rescue planning to ensure compliance with recognised water safety standards and industry regulations.

By completing this training, learners will be prepared to operate confidently in fast-flowing rivers, flood conditions, coastal waters, and still-water environments. Emphasis is placed on safe rescue techniques, self-rescue awareness, and team coordination to maximise effectiveness during critical operations.

This qualification is ideal for emergency service personnel, search and rescue teams, flood response units, maritime and port workers, outdoor activity instructors, and community safety officers. Whether for professional deployment or volunteer response, the WRET course enhances readiness, minimises risks, and improves overall operational outcomes in water-related incidents.

Through expert-led instruction, practical exercises, and scenario-based training, the LICQual Level 3 Award in Water Rescue Equipment Training ensures participants meet international best practices in aquatic safety and rescue. Upon successful completion, learners will hold a recognised certification that demonstrates their capability to operate water rescue equipment safely, effectively, and in compliance with global safety standards.

Course Overview

Qualification Title

LICQual Level 3 Award in Water Rescue Equipment Training (WRET)

Total Units

6

Total Credits

6

GLH

12

Qualification #

LICQ2200629

Qualification Specification

Download Qualification Specification

To enroll in the LICQual Level 3 Award in Water Rescue Equipment Training (WRET), applicants must meet the following criteria:

  • Age Requirement: Applicants must be at least 18 years old.
  • Educational Requirements: Minimum of secondary education (high school diploma or equivalent) is required.
  • Experience: No formal prior qualification is required; however, candidates with previous experience in emergency response, water safety, or related fields will benefit from the training.
    Basic swimming ability and water confidence are strongly recommended for safety during practical exercises.
  • English Language Proficiency: Participants must have sufficient English reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills to understand instructions, complete assessments, and communicate during practical exercises.

Qualification#

Unit Title

Credits

GLH

LICQ2200629-1

Introduction to Water Rescue Operations

1

6

LICQ2200629-2

Water Rescue Equipment Types and Functions

1

6

LICQ2200629-3

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for Water Rescue

1

6

LICQ2200629-4

Practical Skills in Water Rescue Equipment Deployment

1

6

LICQ2200629-5

Safety Procedures and Risk Management in Water Rescue

1

6

LICQ2200629-6

Teamwork, Communication, and Post-Rescue Procedures

1

6

By the end of this course, learners will be able to:

1. Introduction to Water Rescue Operations

By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:

  1. Explain the fundamental principles, terminology, and scope of water rescue operations.
  2. Identify various types of water environments and associated hazards.
  3. Describe the roles, responsibilities, and limitations of water rescue personnel.
  4. Outline the ethical and professional standards in water rescue activities.

2. Water Rescue Equipment Types and Functions

By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:

  1. Classify different types of water rescue equipment and describe their functions.
  2. Demonstrate correct inspection, maintenance, and storage procedures for rescue equipment.
  3. Explain the operational limitations of each equipment type in different rescue scenarios.
  4. Select appropriate equipment based on the nature of the rescue operation.

3. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for Water Rescue

By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:

  1. Identify essential PPE used in water rescue operations and explain their purpose.
  2. Demonstrate correct procedures for donning and doffing PPE, including dry suits, helmets, and buoyancy aids.
  3. Perform PPE inspection, cleaning, and maintenance to ensure operational readiness.
  4. Apply PPE selection principles based on risk assessment and environmental conditions.

4. Practical Skills in Water Rescue Equipment Deployment

By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:

  1. Demonstrate correct handling and deployment of throw lines, rescue poles, and flotation devices.
  2. Apply both boat-based and shore-based rescue techniques effectively.
  3. Operate mechanical and powered rescue equipment safely under supervision.
  4. Adapt deployment methods to suit varying environmental and operational conditions.

5. Safety Procedures and Risk Management in Water Rescue

By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:

  1. Conduct hazard assessments and apply dynamic risk evaluation during rescue operations.
  2. Identify and operate within designated safety zones during incidents.
  3. Follow established emergency procedures and incident reporting requirements.
  4. Apply control measures to minimise risk to rescuers, casualties, and bystanders.

6. Teamwork, Communication, and Post-Rescue Procedures

By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:

  1. Demonstrate effective communication using hand signals, radios, and verbal commands.
  2. Coordinate actions with team members and multi-agency partners during rescue operations.
  3. Provide appropriate post-rescue care to casualties until handover to medical services.
  4. Conduct equipment recovery, cleaning, and post-incident debriefing in line with organisational policies.

The LICQual Level 3 Award in Water Rescue Equipment Training (WRET) is designed for individuals and professionals who are required to operate and manage water rescue equipment in emergency and safety-critical environments. This course is ideal for:

  • Emergency service personnel such as firefighters, coastguards, search and rescue teams, and civil defense staff.
  • Water safety and rescue professionals working in lifeguard services, flood response teams, and disaster management units.
  • Industrial and utility sector workers operating near rivers, lakes, reservoirs, dams, or marine facilities where water-related hazards exist.
  • Public safety officers and law enforcement personnel involved in incident response around water environments.
  • Volunteers and NGO workers engaged in community water safety initiatives or disaster relief operations.
  • Recreational water activity supervisors such as outdoor instructors, boating safety coordinators, and adventure sports leaders.

This course is particularly valuable for those who need to ensure compliance with water safety regulations, develop practical rescue competencies, and operate specialized rescue equipment effectively in high-pressure situations. Whether for professional development, occupational requirements, or community safety enhancement, the WRET qualification equips learners with the knowledge and skills necessary to handle real-world water rescue scenarios with confidence and competence.

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.

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