Occupational Aquatic Safety Training (O. A. S. T.)

Each year an average of 478 drowning deaths occur in Canada.  In addition, there are many injuries sustained from water-related incidents such as hypothermia, spinal and brain injury. Drowning and water-related incidents occur as a result of a variety of activities such as swimming, boating, fishing, snowmobiling as well as working on the job.

Examples of work environments where employees are at risk of drowning and injury are:

• Gravel pits, wash plants, sewage ponds and landfills
• Dugouts, trenches, frozen ponds and ice roads
• Cisterns, sump pits, and septic tanks
• Reservoirs, dams, and natural bodies of water

Keeping Employees Safe In, On and Around the Water. 

The Lifesaving Society’s Occupational Aquatic Safety Training is designed to teach employees who work in, on, or around water to be safe and to respond in case of an aquatic emergency.  Three training modules are available. Modules are 6 – 8 hours in length.

Training is a blend of classroom and water activities. The training is designed to be interactive and participative. 

Tailored to Your Needs

The Society will work with your company or organization to ensure the learning is tailored to the specific hazards and risks of your workplace.  

The Program

Module 1: Basic Water Rescue

Designed to enable employees to gain the knowledge and skills needed to save themselves or a fellow employee, even if they are unable to swim themselves. Rescues are designed to be performed from a dock or shore.

Module 2: Advanced Water Rescue

Builds on the knowledge and skills gained in Basic Water Rescue and adds the knowledge and skills needed to perform higher risk, in-water rescues.  

Module 3: Boat Rescue

Building upon the knowledge and skills gained in the first two modules, participants learn how boats are used to perform a rescue. Utilizing vessels from the specific workplace, participants gain skills and knowledge best suited to their site.

Expiry Date: Exactly 2 years from the date of certification (i.e. from date on certification card) for all levels of OAST training.