Swiftwater courses
Public Safety Training & Response Group offers a range of courses around flood management and Swiftwater rescue. The courses range from flood understanding and response management, to highly technical swift water rescues, rescues from vehicles in floodwaters, as well as animal rescue and body recovery from floodwater.
The courses promote the safe removal of people from fast moving water and dangerous flood areas. The training includes practical skills in Swiftwater swimming and the fundamentals of land, boat, and in-water rescues. We are the Australian licensee for Rescue 3 International, which is a global accrediting body for state-of-the-art technical swift water rescue courses. With years of experience and overseas training, our Swiftwater courses provide the most up-to-date techniques and education to keep emergency Swiftwater responders safe in emergencies.
Course topics also include
• Technical Rescue Equipment
• Knots and anchors
• Hazard identification and safety orientation
• Swimming – defensive and offensive
• Contact and towed rescues
• Shallow water crossings
These courses provide theoretical learning and high-level technical skills that are often the difference between danger and safety, or even life and death, in certain high-risk environments and natural disaster scenarios.
Flooding & Swiftwater courses
• AWR – Water and Flood Awareness
• OPS – Operations: Swiftwater and Flood First Responder
• SRT – Swiftwater and Flood Rescue Technician
• RVW – Rescues from Vehicles in Water
• SRTA – Swiftwater & Flood Rescue Technician Advanced
• BRW – Body Recovery from Water
• TAR – Technical Animal Rescue in Swiftwater (coming soon)
• IRS – Inland Rescue Swimmer
• IRSA – Inland Rescue Swimmer Advanced
• IRSC – Inland Rescue Swimmer Coastal
FAQ
PUA courses are nationally recognised under the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) and delivered by an ASQA- approved Registered Training Organisation (RTO). These qualifications are commonly used within government and emergency services sectors and meet compliance and regulatory requirements in Australia.
Rescue 3 courses are internationally recognised and widely used in the emergency, defence, and adventure sectors across the world. They focus on high-performance, scenario-based rescue skills and are ideal for responders operating in dynamic environments where global standards are valued.
Most foundational courses, such as Water & Flood Awareness (AWR) or PUASAR001, require no prior experience. Advanced programs may have prerequisites (e.g. SRT required before SRTA). If unsure, contact our training team for a personalised recommendation.
Yes, many of our courses involve physically and mentally challenging components, particularly those in swiftwater, flood, or technical rescue environments. Participants should have a reasonable level of fitness. We provide clear physical requirements for each course before enrolment.
Yes. On successful completion, you’ll receive either a nationally recognised Statement of Attainment (PUA courses) or an internationally accredited certification (Rescue 3 courses). Both include assessment of practical and theoretical competencies.
Training is dependant on the course delivered. These can vary from classroom delivery to requiring access to open water sources for practical components, we aim to achieve this is the local region. Some of the more advanced courses require very specific water conditions and may require to be held at a suitable fast-water location (i.e. Tully or New Zealand).
We provide all specialist rescue equipment and PPE for the course. Participants are responsible for personal items such as clothing, footwear, hydration, and accommodation where required. A full gear list is provided upon registration.
Absolutely. We regularly deliver customised programs for emergency services, councils, defence, and industry clients. Courses can be tailored to your risk profile and operational context. Contact us for a group quote or custom proposal.
Enrolment is available online or via our training team. Prices vary by course and inclusions. Discounts may apply for group bookings or multi-course packages. Contact us directly for up-to-date pricing.
Yes. Many of our programs are designed to suit both professional and volunteer responders. PUASAR001 and Awareness-level courses are particularly relevant for SES, RFS, and local council personnel.
Yes. Rescue 3 qualifications are globally recognised in over 50 countries. They are particularly valued by defence organisations, humanitarian agencies, and companies operating across borders.
