Water Rescue training is a demanding activity that involves working in fast-moving, hazardous environments. The right Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is essential to keep you safe, comfortable, and focused on the task at hand.
Why PPE is Crucial for Water Rescue Training
At Outreach Rescue, we ensure that every delegate is equipped with appropriate PPE for their water training sessions. While sessions will always take place in appropriately safe environments, water rescue scenarios can expose individuals to risks such as cold water immersion, underwater debris, and unpredictable currents. The correct PPE mitigates these risks by providing insulation, buoyancy, and physical protection. Without suitable gear, training effectiveness may be compromised, and safety becomes harder to maintain.
Specialist PPE Provided by Outreach Rescue
For your convenience, Outreach Rescue offers a full range of specialist water rescue PPE. This equipment is inspected and maintained to ensure it meets the highest safety standards. Delegates can either use Outreach-provided PPE or bring their own gear, subject to inspection by our team. Here’s a breakdown of the PPE available for our water rescue programmes:
1. Drysuit
A drysuit is vital for keeping you dry and warm while working in cold or hazardous water. Our drysuits feature watertight seals and durable materials designed to protect you from prolonged water exposure.
2. Thermal Undersuit (“Woolly Bear”)
Worn under the drysuit, the thermal undersuit provides insulation and ensures comfort during extended periods in cold water.
3. Water Gloves
Cold hands can impair your dexterity and grip. Water gloves keep your hands warm and protected, enabling you to perform critical tasks with ease.
4. Water Boots
Designed for grip, protection, and durability, water boots shield your feet from sharp rocks and other underwater hazards.
5. Personal Floatation Device (PFD)
A PFD provides essential buoyancy, helping to keep you afloat and reducing the physical strain of working in water.
Choosing the Right PPE
If you plan to use your own PPE during training, it must meet our safety and suitability requirements. Our instructors will conduct a thorough inspection to confirm your equipment is in good condition and appropriate for water rescue activities.
For those using PPE supplied by Outreach Rescue, we provide a comprehensive size guide to ensure a proper fit. A well-fitting drysuit and undersuit are critical for comfort and performance, so please refer to the size chart below to select the right option.
PPE Size Guide
Drysuit & Thermal Unsersuit Size Chart
| Sizes | UoM | Small | Medium | Large | XL | XXL | XXXL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Height | ft./in. | 5'5" - 5'8" | 5'7" - 5'10" | 5'11" - 6'2" | 6'0" - 6'3" | 6'1" - 6'4" | 6'3" - 6'6" |
| cm | 165 - 170 | 168 - 175 | 178 - 185 | 180 - 187 | 182 - 190 | 188 - 195 | |
| Weight | lbs | 135 - 155 | 150 - 175 | 180 - 205 | 200 - 230 | 220 - 250 | 245 - 275 |
| kg | 61 - 70 | 68 - 80 | 82 - 93 | 91 - 105 | 100 - 114 | 111 - 126 | |
| Chest | in | 34 - 37 | 36 - 39 | 40 - 44 | 42 - 46 | 44 - 48 | 46 - 50 |
| cm | 85 - 93 | 91 - 98 | 100 - 110 | 105 - 115 | 110 - 120 | 115 - 125 | |
| Waist | in | 28 - 31 | 30 - 33 | 34 - 37 | 37 - 40 | 39 - 43 | 42 - 45 |
| cm | 70 - 78 | 75 - 83 | 85 - 93 | 93 - 100 | 98 - 108 | 105 - 113 | |
| Hips | in | 34 - 37 | 36 - 39 | 40 - 44 | 43 - 47 | 45 - 49 | 47 - 51 |
| cm | 85 - 93 | 91 - 98 | 100 - 110 | 108 - 118 | 113 - 123 | 118 - 128 | |
| Inseam | in | 26 - 28 | 28 - 30 | 30 - 32 | 31 - 33 | 32 - 34 | 33 - 36 |
| cm | 65 - 70 | 70 - 75 | 75 - 80 | 78 - 83 | 80 - 85 | 83 - 90 | |
Preparing for Training
When attending a water rescue programme, it’s important to arrive with the right mindset and equipment. If you’re using our PPE, please provide your sizes in advance to ensure we can supply the best fit for you. For delegates bringing their own gear, make sure it has been checked and serviced recently to avoid issues during training.
By equipping yourself with the proper PPE, you’re not just enhancing your safety — you’re also ensuring you can fully engage in the learning experience. Outreach Rescue are committed to helping you train with confidence and peace of mind.
For more information about our Water Rescue courses or PPE requirements, feel free to contact us.