The RSR 1 is a half day course 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.

Objectives of the RSR 1

The RSR 1 aims to enable candidates to:

• Understand the appropriate equipment for Grade I water
• Develop an understanding of Safe Practices on Grade I water
• Execute self rescue on Grade I water
• Rescue of others in Grade I water
• 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 (Follow the Leader, Herd and Drive, LeapFrog)
• Safe order of Priority - STIG
• Self Rescue - Offensive swimming in Grade I with equipment
• Systematic approach to a rescue: Talk, Reach, Throw, Row, Helo - (Talk – Command words, Reach – Reaching techniques, Throw – Throw rope rescues, Row – x- rescue, unconscious rescue, tows, bow & stern carries, Go – Water based unconscious casualty rescue, Helo – Making emergency calls to rescue services)

Recommended Equipment List for Participants:

• Wetsuit or Drysuit
• Thermals
• ISO/CE Approved buoyancy and helmet
• Adequate hard sole footwear
• Throw Bag
• Knife
• Whistle

Guidelines:

• 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
• Applying to attend a course applicants must be of a Level 2 Kayak skills standard
• Ratio 1:8