Information about the Water Rescuer
at Water Rescue

Water rescuer of Water Rescue

At the BRK Wasserwacht, the silver rescue swimming badge is the minimum qualification for active rescue swimmers. Since 2001, there has been the advanced training to become a water rescuer (formerly SAN C of Water Rescue). This is a prerequisite for further qualifications (rescue diver, motorboat operator, watch leader and numerous other training programmes).

During training, aspiring water rescuers receive, in addition to an introduction to the Medical Devices Act and radio instruction, an advanced paramedic training specifically adapted to the water rescue service. Particular emphasis is placed on possible operational scenarios as a water rescuer at and around bodies of water. Examples include introduction to diving medicine, CPR, operations with the motor rescue boat or hypothermia. Operational tactics adapted to working in small teams are also taught. Knowledge of operational equipment for the water rescue service is deepened through practical case studies at bodies of water. In Munich, participants have been trained in swiftwater since the beginning of the training programme. One day of training takes place entirely in flowing water to familiarise participants with the specifics and handling of current-bearing water. The course concludes with a written and practical exam with case studies.

Water Rescuers at BRK Wasserwacht Unterhaching

Since the beginning of water rescuer training in Munich, Wasserwacht Unterhaching has been active in the training group. Numerous water rescuer instructors from Wasserwacht Unterhaching have participated in the training. Currently, three water rescuer instructors are active in the Munich Water Rescue Training Group, and members of the casualty simulation group support the training with up to 20 simulated casualties per day.

Based on the strong engagement in the training group, Wasserwacht Unterhaching has numerous water rescuers. The water rescuer qualification has now become part of the basic training for active rescue swimmers in Unterhaching. Connected to this, a special water rescuer group exists in Unterhaching that handles training and continuing education. Besides consolidating what has been learned, the water rescuer group deepens knowledge, expands skills and provides practical exercise.

Water Rescuer Group Training at BRK Wasserwacht Unterhaching

Based on the water rescuer training, Wasserwacht Unterhaching offers advanced training for members of the water rescuer group. Training focuses on personal protective equipment, rope and equipment handling, rescue in contaminated areas, floods and flash floods, cooperation with other organisations, tactical rescue components, heavy equipment rescue, team leadership, disaster medicine and further topics tailored to water rescuer tasks.

Water Rescuer Training

Prerequisites:

- Active rescue swimmer in the water rescue service
- Completed training as rescue swimmer in water rescue service (WRD)
- Continuing education records per DV WRD
- Valid CPR and/or AED recertification
- End-user digital radio training

Course Content & Duration:

A complete course is divided into four modules comprising at least 64 teaching units (UE). It concludes with the water rescuer exam.
Module contents are mandatory and may be supplemented with regional and local content. The "Regional Operations Training" module is an elective.
At least 50% of training must be practical. Small group training is recommended.

Module 1: "Basic Emergency Medicine Training"

- Operational basics, tactics and safety aspects
- Emergency scenarios with leading symptoms
- Basics of trauma first response
- Other causes of emergencies
- Supplementary fields: interface with land rescue, paediatric emergency training, extended diagnostics, rescue and transport
- Teamwork and team leadership
- Documentation, handover, assistance measures

Module 2: "Operations Training"

- Operational basics and safety
- Leadership, organisational and subordination structures
- Rescue, first response and transport with motor rescue boat
- Rescue and first response in diving accidents
- Equipment knowledge
- Special, complex and dynamic operational situations
- Teamwork and team leadership
- Documentation, handover, cooperation with land and water rescue units

Module 3: "Basic Swiftwater Rescue Training"

- Swiftwater rescue
- Safety instructions
- Swimming (active and passive) in flowing water
- Equipment knowledge (throw rescuer, lines, knots)
- Contact rescue

Module 4: "Regional Operations Training"

Regional operations training such as:
- Rapid response group (SEG) operations
- Special rescue equipment
- Flood and disaster response
- Technical assistance for watercraft
- Night operations
- Additional swiftwater rescue qualification
- Advanced medical content
- Ice rescue

Validity

The water rescuer qualification is valid indefinitely. Regular refresher training is recommended for personal safety and operational readiness. AED recertification follows BRK state association guidelines.