Surface Water Rescue
Readiness Training For First Responder Personnel
Surface Water Rescue · Public Safety Diver Training · Rescue Diver Training
Surface Water Rescue Training is a one to two-day course designed to equip Police and Fire 1st responders, and other Safety Teams with skills to handle rescue operations in canal and flood emergencies.
Course includes demonstrations and in-water practice using equipment such as personal flotation devices, glass-breaking / seat belt cutters, throw bags, snorkel gear, and optional spare air bottles, along with a review of First Aid and CPR survival techniques.
NAUI Surface Rescue Swimmer Course
The NAUI Surface Rescue Swimmer Course is a focused, one to two-day operational training program designed to prepare public safety professionals to respond confidently and decisively to surface water emergencies. Built for those who are most often first on scene—Law Enforcement, Fire/Rescue, EMS, and other Public Safety Personnel—this course bridges the critical gap between highly specialized dive or swift-water teams and responders who must act immediately in the first minutes of a water-related incident.
The mission is clear: increase victim survivability through safe, timely, and effective surface rescue operations, while maintaining the highest standards of safety, competence, and professionalism in alignment with NAUI’s educational philosophy. The course emphasizes risk reduction, situational awareness, and sound judgment to protect both rescuer and victim.
Training Scope
Instruction targets slow-moving or still-water environments, including rivers (under one knot), canals, lakes, ponds, and floodwaters. The curriculum follows a “Dry-to-Wet” methodology—transitioning from classroom instruction directly into practical, hands-on water exercises—ensuring participants leave with usable, mission-ready skills in a single operational day. Course formatting aligns with NFPA 1006 (Standard for Technical Rescuer Professional Qualifications).
Core Operational Skills
Participants develop proficiency in high-risk, time-sensitive surface rescue operations, including:
Shore-Based Rescue Techniques
- Precision throw bag deployment using 50-foot floating rescue lines
- Rapid victim contact without unnecessary water entry
- Emphasis on speed, accuracy, and controlled response under stress
Vehicle Submersion Response
- Proper use of window punches and seatbelt cutters
- Rapid extraction techniques from sinking or submerged vehicles
- Controlled egress drills focused on safety and survivability
Equipment & Safety Familiarization
- Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs)
- Safety helmets
- Eye protection masks
- Snorkels and fins
- Signaling devices including strobe lights, glow sticks, and whistles
Drowning-Specific Medical Review
- Airway management priorities
- CPR considerations for submersion incidents
- Hypothermia mitigation and thermal protection (including Mylar blanket application)
Throughout training, safety remains the highest priority. Hazard recognition, proper technique, and disciplined decision-making are reinforced to minimize risk in dynamic water environments.
Prerequisites
- Minimum age: 18
- Must be in good physical condition
- Must pass a watermanship evaluation prior to certification
- Must be a current member of a Law Enforcement agency, Fire Department, EMS agency, or other official public safety entity (verification required)
Rescue Go-Bag Recommendation
Agencies are strongly encouraged to equip each fleet vehicle with a dedicated Rescue Go-Bag containing the high-performance equipment used during training. Properly staged equipment ensures rapid deployment when seconds count. Aquaman Diving Inc. offers inspection and maintenance services to help departments maintain operational readiness.
When specialized dive teams are still en route, surface-trained responders make the difference. This course equips first-on-scene professionals with the skills, judgment, and confidence to execute effective surface water rescues—immediately, safely, and professionally.
Todd M. Graham | Owner – Instructor Trainer
Todd M. Graham is the owner of Aquaman Diving and a world-class diver and instructor. Todd started diving in 1981 and has been certified by NAUI (National Association of Underwater Instructors) since 1993. His extensive experience and passion for diving led him to work with multiple safety operations teams around the country, manage dive shops from NYC to Qatar, and obtain designations as a certified instructor for Dive Rescue Specialist, Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Cardio Life Support (ACLS), and Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR).
