General Aims

The RSR 1 can be a half day course or can be run modularly over a number of sessions, designed for people who wish to undertake relevant training in Safety and Rescue Techniques appropriate for Grade I water. The RSR 1 aims to develop a culture of safety, awareness, and proactive accident prevention in canoe sports in Ireland.

It is recommended that RSR 1 certification be renewed at least once every 5 years.

Attendance Requirements

Requirements for attending an RSR 1 Assessment –

  • The RSR 1 course should be delivered and run on water of Grade I difficulty.
  • It is recommended that RSR 1 certification be renewed at least once every 5 years.
  • Level 2 Instructors or higher can run the Award.
  • Must be a Canoeing Ireland member.

    The RSR 1 aims to enable candidates to:

    1. Understand the appropriate equipment for Grade I water

    2. Develop an understanding of Safe Practices on Grade I water

    3. Execute self-rescue on Grade I water

    4. Rescue of others in Grade I water

    5. Rescue of equipment in Grade I water

    Course Outline

    This is designed to be a flexible course depending on trainee’s needs and previous experience levels-notwithstanding this core elements of the syllabus must include:

    • Personal Equipment for Grade I
    • Fundamental Hydrology
    • Safe practices and accident prevention methods – CLAP
      • Communication
      • Line of Sight
      • Avoidance
      • Positioning
    • Risk Assessment & Decision Making on Grade I water
    • Safety Zones & Leadership
    • Safe Travelling Methods:
          1. Follow the Leader
          2. Herd and Drive
          3. Leap Frog
        • Safe order of Priority – STIG
        • Self-Rescue – Offensive swimming in Grade I with equipment
        • Systematic approach to a rescue: Talk, Reach, Throw, Row, Go, Helo:
          1. Talk – Command words
          2. Reach – Reaching techniques
          3. Throw – Throw rope rescues
          4. Row – x- rescue, unconscious rescue, tows, bow & stern carries
          5. Go – Water based unconscious casualty rescue
          6. Helo – Making emergency calls to rescue services

        Course Documents