OPEN-WATER SAFETY AND RESCUE Theoretical and practical training
The sea offers us incredible experiences, but it also demands knowledge, preparation and respect.
Do you know how to assess conditions before entering the water? Recognise the early signs of fatigue or hypothermia? Help a swimmer in difficulty without putting your own safety at risk? And would you know how to respond to a drowning situation?
On 22 November, Swim4fun is organising an in-person training course dedicated to prevention, self-protection and responding to emergencies in open water.
A morning to learn, practise and develop skills that can make all the difference when every second counts.
📅 22 November 2026 ⏰ 09:00–13:00 📍 Praia da Duquesa, Cascais ⏱️ Duration: 4 hours 👥 Places limited to 30 participants
WHO IS IT FOR?
Open-water swimmers, athletes, and coaches in swimming, triathlon, surfing, diving and other aquatic sports, as well as anyone interested in improving their knowledge of safety in natural aquatic environments.
PROGRAMME
09:00–11:00 | Theoretical session
• Characteristics and main risks of open water • Interpreting weather and oceanographic conditions • Currents, tides, swell and water temperature • Route planning and safety briefings • Buddy system and safety equipment • Prevention and recognition of emergency situations • Fatigue, dehydration, hypothermia and hyperthermia • Procedures for dealing with a missing swimmer • Drowning, calling 112 and the principles of Basic Life Support
11.00–13.00 | Practical component
• Basic Life Support (BLS) protocol for drowning victims • Recovery position and emergency equipment • Buoyancy techniques, breath control and fatigue management • Self-protection and calling for help • Assisting a fatigued or unconscious swimmer • Open-water rescue techniques • Emergency signalling • Bringing the victim ashore • Simulation of different emergency scenarios
INSTRUCTOR
Pedro Antunes
A lifeguard since 2005, with experience in beach patrols, water rescue, assisting bathers and operating jet skis and support vehicles. He is trained in Civil Protection, first aid, Basic Life Support and Automated External Defibrillation, has experience as a firefighter and holds a Certificate of Teaching Competence.
FEES
• Swim4fun Club members and Swim4fun School pupils: €30 • External participants: €40
Includes participation in both the theoretical and practical components and a certificate of attendance.
At sea, the best response begins long before an emergency: it starts with prevention, knowledge and preparation.
Note: this course does not award credit points towards the renewal of the TPTD.