NWSMP – National Water Safety Management Programme
This course is relevant to a wide range of sectors, including, scouting, teaching (field trips), construction, environmental health, leisure and the emergency services.

It fulfils the water safety training needs of a wide range of users (reflecting the range of activities that take place in and around the waters edge) and is endorsed by the Health and Safety Executive for its sensible, proportionate, reasonable and balanced advice to both those responsible for groups around the water margin or workers operating in, on or near water and in particular managing the risk from operating around the water margin.

About the course

The NWSMP programme embraces contemporary approaches to risk management by balancing the need for simple pro-active safety management practices, with a strong focus on preventative measures along with effective emergency response skills.

• NWSMP Level 1 Water Safety Awareness is equivalent to DEFRA Module 1 – Water & Flood Awareness
• NWSMP Inland Waterways Module is the equivalent to DEFRA Module 2 – Water & Flood First Responder

Further information can be found from RLSS website.

Course Content 

The NWSMP is split into two levels to ensure candidates get the most out of the course.

Water Safety Awareness 

This course is for those working near water as part of a structured activity. The course includes:

• Generic Open Water Hazards
• Risk Management
• Land-based Rescue Techniques
• PPE & Aquatic Clothing
• Basic Life Support Awareness

Inland Waterways Module 

This module focuses on specific inland waterway hazards along with in-water skills.

• Inland-Specific Hazards
• In Water Rescue Skills
• Personal Safety
• Dynamic Risk Management
• Moving in Shallow Water

Coastal Waterways Module 

This module focuses on specific coastal waterway hazards along with in-water skills.

• Coastal-specific Hazards
• In Water Rescue Skills
• Personal Safety
• Dynamic Risk Management
• Returning to Shore Through Surf
• Coastal Wildlife

Assessment 

The NWSMP assessment takes place at the end of each level/ module. It determines your competence, skills, and knowledge of working near/in water and assesses your ability to apply the skills and knowledge learnt in the specific environment. The assessment is split as follows:

Water Safety Awareness 

• Oral Questioning
• Practical Throw Bag Rescue
• Complete a Risk Assessment

NWSMP Course Prerequisites 

Each candidate attending an NWSMP course must:

• Be 16 years old or over at the time of being assessed
• Have a good level of fitness
• Be competent at swimming in open-water environments (for Coastal and Inland Waterways module)
• For the assessment, candidates must be able to swim 50m in an open water environment. (for Coastal and Inland Waterways module)

Dates and Costs

Course price is £150 and there is potential support from Scouts Scotland grant for 1/3 of the cost per person.
The course takes place across the 15th and 16th of March, however accommodation is available from the Friday if required.