Staff

Paul O’Sullivan
Paul O’Sullivan is the Managing Director of Rescue 3 (UK), and is a Rescue 3 International Advanced Instructor Trainer, Rope Rescue Technician Instructor Trainer and Rescue Boat Operator Instructor. In addition he also holds a teaching degree, a diploma in Health & Safety Management and many outdoor qualifcations including the Mountain Instructor Award (MIA) and British Canoe Union Level 5 Coach and Level 5 whitewater raft trainer awards.

He has been MD for 7 years and has delivered Rescue 3 courses throughout the UK as well as overseas, including Nepal, Greece and Peru. He has also presented at a number of prestigious events including Floodfighters 2007, Watersafe 2003 & 2 and at the annual Rescue 3 International Conference in the USA.

His background is in whitewater and he has worked as a whitewater professional around the world and has numerous kayaking first descents to his name.

Matt McLay
Matt is Rescue 3 (UK)’s full-time lead trainer and has been with Rescue 3 (UK) for 3 years. He is a Swiftwater Rescue Technician Instructor Trainer, Rescue Boat Operator Instructor and Advanced Technician Instructor. Matt has a strong whitewater and mountaineering background.

Geraint Rowlands
Geraint works for  Rescue 3 (UK) as a full-time trainer and is a Swiftwater Rescue Technician Instructor and qualified teacher. Geraint has a strong whitewater background and is a British Canoe Union Level 5 whitewater raft trainer and Aspirant Level 5 Kayak Coach. His whitewater experience has been founded both on UK and international waters and he has worked as a whitewater professional in Canada and Africa as well as within the UK.

Rob Litherland
Rob is the latest addition to the team of instructors and is an experienced raft guide and whitewater expedition kayaker, having completed a number of first descents, including the Lohit in India.

Chris Onions
Chris is the Higher Education Co-ordinator for Rescue 3 (UK) and is a Swiftwater Rescue Technician Instructor. He leads the development and delivery of new modules within the Foundation Degree in Technical Rescue and is also undertaking research into the forces placed on rope systems by moving water.

Chris has a background within mountain rescue, and has held the positions of Regional Training Officer for the North Wales Mountain Rescue Association (NWMRA), and Team Leader for the Ogwen Valley Mountain Rescue Organisation.  His main interests lie within technical rescue and search management, and he is currently the Regional Water Officer engaged with assisting mountain rescue teams enhance their water rescue capability.

Chris Heath
Chris is the Office Manager for Rescue 3 (UK) and oversees all Rescue 3 (UK) courses, and course enquiries. His role also involves organising the Rescue 3 (UK) training calendar and overseeing all courses that take place at the centre.

Lara Watson

Lara is the Assistant Office Manager for the Coaching and Rescue 3 (UK) department at the National White Water Centre.  Lara deals with phone enquiries, processes all course bookings and prepares and processes course paperwork.