British Canoeing Awarding Body announces NEW White Water Safety Course

The White Water Safety course is designed to support paddlers to be independent participants on grade 2(3) white water rivers. This 2 day course is aimed at those paddling as peers and covers a range of topics that include emergency planning & procedures, chase boating, equipment rescues and scenarios and much more. This course is designed to support paddlers to be independent participants on grade 2(3) white water rivers. Paddlers can access the course with their preferred craft which can include kayaks, canoes, rafts and stand up paddleboards. 

At British Canoeing Awarding Body, the only regulated and recognised paddlesport organisation by Ofqual, Qualification Wales, CCEA and CIMSPA we are delighted to announce the new White Water Safety course. 

It’s not an existing course that’s had a face lift, it’s fundamentally different and is predominantly based around staying safe, with a focus on motivations, creating a supportive climate, river running strategies, dealing with typical mishaps and much much more. 

A huge thanks to all those involved in developing a programme that all white water paddlers, no matter what craft can access and benefit from

-Lee Pooley, Director of Coaching & Qualifications

Participants need to either hold the relevant British Canoeing Awarding Body Personal Performance Award or equivalent ability in/on their preferred craft due to the paddling environment and the boat/board control required to complete the course.

The White Water Safety course is a 2-day programme that consists of 9 modules. This can be delivered in a day or modular, over a maximum of an eight-week period to suit the participants.

The NEW White Water Safety course will be available from 1st November  2023.

Please note, this course will replace the existing White Water Safety and Rescue course (WWSR) 

Further updates will be promoted via the British Canoeing Awarding Body website and the ‘Catch up with Coaching’ newsletter.