Training Facilities

Rescue 3 (UK), is based at The National Whitewater Centre in Bala, North Wales and benefits from the world-class facilities on offer, including:

- Dam-controlled river providing a clean, controlled swiftwater training environment
- Specifically modified, dedicated swiftwater training sites
- Modern fully-equipped four classroom Training Centre situated on the banks of the river
- Extensive personal protective equipment and technical equipment stores
- Purpose-built rope rescue training site

In addition to this the centre is also centrally located within the Snowdonia National Park with numerous rivers and tidal rapids within easy reach of the centre.

The Training Centre itself has a main lecture room with tea & coffee making facilities and changing rooms with lockers & hot showers whilst the Main Centre (a short walk from the Training Centre), houses the main reception, offices, changing rooms & showers and the recently refurbished Riverside Café, which provides home-made meals throughout the day. There are also 3 satellite classrooms located at key points along the banks of the river.

The Centre can provide full-board accommodation through hotels located within Bala town centre.  Courses booked on a fully residential basis will use these hotels.

If you wish to book your own accommodation there are some helpful links here. 

Rescue 3 (UK)'s two Regional Training Centres also offer state-of-the art training facilities - Rescue 3 (UK) in the North East and Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service Training Academy Access & Rescue School.

Rescue 3 (UK) also has strong links with the National Watersports Centre, Plas Menai, where the Swiftwater Rescue Boat Operator courses are based, and with Teesside Whitewater Course, which hosts the Rescues from Vehicles in Water workshop.