The QualCert Level 3 Award in National Water Safety Management Programme (NWSMP) has been developed to equip individuals with the skills, knowledge and practical competence needed to work safely and confidently in open water, inland waterways, pools, and coastal environments.
This nationally recognised award supports professionals and organisations in fulfilling their legal and moral responsibilities when leading or supervising groups near water.
The NWSMP Level 3 Award is a specialist qualification designed to improve safety awareness and response skills in aquatic settings. It is intended for those who manage or supervise others near water, where a full lifeguard qualification may not be necessary, but strong water safety knowledge is critical.
This qualification focuses on risk assessment, prevention strategies, emergency response techniques, and the legal responsibilities involved in managing activities near water.
Drowning remains one of the leading causes of accidental death in the UK, particularly in open water and unsupervised settings. Educators, activity leaders, and outdoor professionals often operate in areas where natural water hazards are present. The NWSMP ensures that these individuals are trained to identify and reduce risks, react appropriately in emergencies, and comply with organisational and national safety policies.
The QualCert Level 3 Award in National Water Safety Management Programme (NWSMP) is an essential qualification for anyone responsible for the safety of others near water. Whether you’re leading a school trip, managing an outdoor education centre, or supervising events close to rivers, lakes, or coastlines, this course provides the training and confidence needed to respond effectively. It is a practical, preventative, and professional step towards reducing risk and promoting safe engagement with the UK’s diverse aquatic environments.
Course Contents of QualCert Level 3 Award in National Water Safety Management Programme (NWSMP):
The QualCert Level 3 Award in Emergency Outdoor First Aid (EOFA), offers 6 Credits, requiring a Total Qualification Time (TQT) of 30 hours, including 18 Guided Learning Hours (GLH).
| Unit Ref# | Unit Title | Credit | GLH | TQT |
| QC27001-1 | Introduction to Water Safety Principles | 1 | 3 | 5 |
| QC27001-2 | Recognising and Assessing Water-related Hazards | 1 | 3 | 5 |
| QC27001-3 | Planning and Preparing for Safe Activities Near Water | 1 | 3 | 5 |
| QC27001-4 | Incident Prevention and Emergency Response Strategies | 1 | 3 | 5 |
| QC27001-5 | Use of Non-specialist Rescue Equipment and Techniques | 1 | 3 | 5 |
| QC27001-6 | Legal, Ethical and Organisational Responsibilities in Water Safety | 1 | 3 | 5 |
Entry Requirements for the QualCert Level 3 Award in Emergency Outdoor First Aid (EOFA):
To enroll in the QualCert Level 3 Award in Emergency Outdoor First Aid (EOFA), following are requirement:
Minimum Age
- Learners must be 18 years of age or older at the time of enrolment.
- This reflects the level of responsibility expected in managing group and individual safety near water.
Educational Background
- A basic general education is recommended.
- There is no formal qualification requirement; however, a Level 2 or equivalent background in education, health and safety, or outdoor learning is advantageous.
Experience
- No prior experience in rescue or lifeguarding is required.
- It is beneficial for learners to have basic water confidence, particularly if their role involves working near or around open water environments.
- Previous experience in outdoor education, fieldwork, or group supervision is helpful but not essential.
Language Proficiency
- Learners must have sufficient proficiency in English to understand training materials, communicate effectively, and complete written or verbal assessments.
- A recommended minimum standard is CEFR Level B1 or IELTS 5.0, or equivalent.
- Training centres may assess language ability prior to enrolment to ensure learners can engage safely and effectively with the course content.
Learning Outcomes of QualCert Level 3 Award in Emergency Outdoor First Aid (EOFA):
Introduction to Water Safety Principles
- Understand the key principles of water safety and their relevance to various environments
- Recognise the responsibilities of individuals and organisations when operating near water
- Identify common causes of water-related incidents and the importance of prevention
Recognising and Assessing Water-related Hazards
- Identify different types of water hazards in inland, coastal, and pool settings
- Conduct dynamic and site-specific risk assessments
- Evaluate environmental conditions that may increase the likelihood of incidents
Planning and Preparing for Safe Activities Near Water
- Develop appropriate safety plans for group activities near water
- Identify required control measures and supervision ratios
- Ensure suitable pre-activity checks and emergency arrangements are in place
Incident Prevention and Emergency Response Strategies
- Recognise early warning signs of potential incidents
- Apply basic emergency procedures including alerting and assisting
- Understand how to manage a water-related incident until emergency services arrive
Use of Non-specialist Rescue Equipment and Techniques
- Demonstrate correct use of throwlines, reach poles, and other basic rescue aids
- Apply safe, non-contact rescue techniques appropriate to the environment
- Understand limitations of untrained intervention and the importance of self-safety
Legal, Ethical and Organisational Responsibilities in Water Safety
- Understand key legislation relating to water safety, duty of care, and negligence
- Apply ethical principles in decision-making and group management
- Follow organisational policies and procedures to ensure legal compliance
The Level 3 Award in National Water Safety Management Programme (NWSMP) is designed for individuals who have a responsibility for the safety of others in, on, or near water. It is particularly relevant for those working in outdoor, educational, field-based, or recreational settings where water poses a potential risk, but where a full lifeguard qualification is not required.
This course is suitable for:
- Outdoor education instructors and activity leaders
- Teachers and support staff supervising trips near rivers, lakes, or coastal areas
- Fieldwork researchers and environmental science professionals
- Duke of Edinburgh (DofE) supervisors and expedition leaders
- Forest school and bushcraft practitioners
- Local authority or countryside officers working near water
- Voluntary and youth group leaders organising water-side activities
- Event coordinators managing public safety near open water locations
It is also beneficial for individuals involved in site management, construction, or utility work in proximity to water sources.
The NWSMP provides essential training to support safe decision-making, risk assessment, and emergency response, ensuring all participants are equipped to operate confidently and responsibly in aquatic environments.