Outreach Rescue to Attend European Water Rescue Conference 2026

07.04.2026

Outreach Rescue to Deliver Vehicles in Water Workshop and Instructional Session at European Water Rescue Conference

European Water Rescue Conference

28–30 April, Cardiff

Delivered by the International Association of Water Rescue Professionals (IAWRP), the conference brings together water rescue professionals, emergency services and specialist providers to share operational insight, develop capability and explore current challenges within the sector.

Outreach Rescue Involvement

As part of this year’s programme, Outreach Rescue will be contributing to both the practical and classroom elements of the event.

This will include:

  • A Vehicles in Water (ViW) practical workshop, focusing on operational considerations and applied techniques
  • A session exploring lessons learned in instructional practice, with an emphasis on supervision, decision-making and training delivery within water rescue environments

These sessions will draw on Outreach Rescue’s experience delivering specialist training across the UK and working with emergency services and rescue organisations.

Event Overview

The conference is structured across:

  • Day 1 – Future Inn Cardiff Bay: Lecture-based sessions and industry presentations
  • Day 2 & 3 – Cardiff International White Water Centre: Practical, hands-on training within a controlled swiftwater environment

The Technician Track is designed for qualified personnel operating at DEFRA Mod 3 / Rescue Technician level, with attendees expected to be competent and appropriately equipped for in-water activity.

Who Should Attend

This event is likely to be of interest to:

  • Fire and Rescue Services
  • HART teams
  • Specialist rescue providers
  • Utility rescue teams
  • Professional water rescue agencies looking to share learning and review current practice

For organisations involved in water and flood response, the conference offers a valuable opportunity to connect with peers, explore current operational challenges and take part in practical, standards-focused discussion.

Join Us in Cardiff

With the event approaching and places limited, organisations considering attendance are encouraged to review the programme and secure places where possible.

Outreach Rescue looks forward to contributing to the conference and connecting with colleagues from across the sector.

Register to Attend

 


 

Related Training: Vehicles in Water Rescue

As part of our involvement at the European Water Rescue Conference, Outreach Rescue will be delivering a practical Vehicles in Water (ViW) workshop. This specialist area of rescue requires a clear understanding of hazards, stabilisation techniques and safe casualty management in dynamic environments.

For organisations looking to develop capability in this area, Outreach Rescue offers dedicated training pathways aligned to DEFRA standards and operational best practice.

  • Vehicles in Water Rescue for Water First Responders (Mod 2)
    A practical one-day course focused on applying core Water First Responder skills to vehicle-related incidents. Delegates develop hazard awareness, stabilisation techniques and casualty management through realistic, scenario-based training.

  • Vehicles in Water Rescue for Water Rescue Technicians (Mod 3)
    A two-day, predominantly practical course designed for qualified technicians, expanding on Mod 3 capabilities. Training includes vehicle stabilisation, in-water rescue methods and casualty extraction within controlled moving water environments.

Both courses provide realistic exposure to incidents that are often under-represented in standard training, ensuring personnel are better prepared to respond safely and effectively.