In this guide
- What it is: Rescue courses for paddlers. One for sheltered water, one for white water.
- What you need first: Paddle Explore (or equal ability) for sheltered water. The matching Personal Performance Award (or equal ability) for white water.
- How long it takes: 6 hours for sheltered water. 2 days for white water.
- Cost: Coached time usually costs £35 to £60 an hour.
- What's next: Skills track: more Personal Performance Awards. Leading track: Paddlesport Instructor or White Water Leader.
Both are open to all ages, and both are practical courses where you practise the rescues for real. You get an attendance certificate from your Delivery Centre on the tutor's recommendation.
Paddlesport Safety and Rescue
For every craft, on sheltered water. Six modules:
- Clothing and equipment
- Safety frameworks
- Contact and towing rescues
- Self-rescues
- Deep water rescues
- Reflection and development
It's also a prerequisite for the Paddlesport Instructor.
White Water Safety
For being an independent paddler on grade 2(3) rivers. Nine modules over 2 days, including:
- River trip emergency planning and procedures
- Chase boating and equipment rescues
- Swimming and rescues
- Retrieving people and equipment
- Scenarios
It's one of the safety awards accepted for White Water Leader and Raft Guide (Grade 2).
Source: Paddlesport Safety and Rescue, White Water Safety and Registration Requirements, British Canoeing Awarding Body; How to call for help, RNLI, checked October 2026.
Governing body: Paddle UK. It sets the safety standards and training awards for paddlesport in England, so it's the official place to find out more.
Typical prices, checked October 2026. The club or coach sets and bills the price.
The club map lists some of the UK clubs for this sport. It is a starting point, so check with the club before you travel. To have a coach found for you, use the enquiry form.
