Activity overview
The RYA Safety Boat course is a 2-day programme designed for confident powerboat drivers who want to expand their skills beyond basic boat handling. Building on your existing knowledge, you will gain the competence to manage safety cover for fleets of dinghies, windsurfers, canoes, kayaks and other craft, making you an essential part of any watersports team.
Delivered by experienced instructors, this course equips you with the skills to deal with a variety of on-water situations, from towing broken-down craft to managing rescues in challenging conditions. It is also a required qualification for those working towards becoming an RYA Senior Instructor.
What to expect
- Preparation and safety checks
- Advanced boat handling
- Dinghy rescue techniques
- Windsurfer rescue
- Canoe and kayak rescue (may be taught as theory)
- Towing methods and best practice
- End-of-day procedures and recovery
- Choosing suitable craft and equipment
- Local factors and effective communication
Prerequisites & course minimum requirements
Participants must hold an RYA Powerboat Level 2 certificate and should be confident handling a powerboat in a variety of conditions before starting this course.
RYA Powerboat Level 2
Gain the skills and confidence to handle a powerboat safely with the RYA Powerboat Level 2 course. A practical 2-day course covering everything from close quarters handling to high-speed manoeuvres.
Key information
Timings
9:30am - 4:30pm
with a break for lunch around midday
What's included
Buoyancy Aid
Spray Top and Trousers
What you need to bring
- Drinks
- Suncream
- Weather appropriate clothing
- Spare pair of closed-toe shoes to wear in the water
- Lunch and snacks
- Water bottle
Emma Bannister
“We build our programmes around each individual’s requirements, with consideration to their needs, aspirations and strengths. Seeing the impact that a visit to ASC Reading can have on young people is incredibly rewarding, whether they’re here for a few hours to decompress, or for a week packed with adventure and new experiences.”
Timings
9:30am - 4:30pm
with a break for lunch around midday
What's included
Buoyancy Aid
Spray Top and Trousers
What you need to bring
- Drinks
- Suncream
- Weather appropriate clothing
- Spare pair of closed-toe shoes to wear in the water
- Lunch and snacks
- Water bottle
Tayla Donovan
“Close to major transport links and the city centre, our centre at Bartley Reservoir is a safe, inland watersports venue. With a range of activities available, including sailing, Swim Safe, raft building, team games, and soft archery, our programmes encourage the development of key life skills such as communication, teamwork, problemsolving and resilience, in a classroom like no other.”
Timings
9:30am - 4:30pm
with a break for lunch around midday
What's included
Buoyancy Aid
Spray Top and Trousers
What you need to bring
- Drinks
- Suncream
- Weather appropriate clothing
- Spare pair of closed-toe shoes to wear in the water
- Lunch and snacks
- Water bottle
Nathan Bloss
“Portland offers consistent wind and a fantastic sailing venue all year round – for both beginners and elite sailors alike. Inspire your family and friends as they sail on the same waters as Olympians, excel at exciting new activities, make friends, and develop key life skills."
Timings
9:30am - 4:30pm
with a break for lunch around midday
What's included
Buoyancy Aid
Spray Top and Trousers
What you need to bring
- Drinks
- Suncream
- Weather appropriate clothing
- Spare pair of closed-toe shoes to wear in the water
- Lunch and snacks
- Water bottle
Ross Dixon
“At ASC Portsmouth, we pride ourselves on our state-of-the-art facilities that cater to all. Our range of activities, from sailing and kayaking to climbing and sustainability workshops, ensures an engaging experience for everyone. As a team, we are committed to creating inclusive programmes that adapt to different learning styles and abilities, ensuring every participant can challenge themselves and grow. Our experienced instructors are dedicated to helping each individual discover their potential in our unique outdoor classroom.”
Where can this take you?
After completing the RYA Safety Boat, the following activities could be your next step:
RYA Senior Dinghy Instructor
Step up to the next level of instructing. The RYA Senior Dinghy Instructor course develops experienced instructors into confident leaders capable of managing sailing courses and teams.
RYA First Aid
A one-day course teaching essential first aid skills with a focus on the boating environment.
Why book with Andrew Simpson Centres?
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Top-Quality Equipment
Our fleet is well-maintained and regularly updated, ensuring you train with the best sailing gear available. -
Expert Coaching & Development
Our professional instructors follow a structured development programme, helping you progress at every level. -
Not-for-Profit Impact
Every booking supports our charitable mission to make sailing accessible to all, reinvesting in the sport and future sailors. -
Unforgettable Experience
Whether you're learning the basics or refining race tactics, you'll gain confidence, skills, and a love for the water. -
High Safety Standards
Safety is our top priority, with expertly trained staff, well-maintained equipment, and strict safety protocols in place. -
Flexible, Customised Courses
We tailor our courses to each participant, ensuring you get the most out of your time on the water. -
Low Instructor-to-Sailor Ratios
Smaller group sizes mean more personalised coaching, helping you develop skills faster and with confidence. -
Accessible for All
We offer inclusive courses designed to support individuals with Special Educational Needs (SEN), making sailing accessible to everyone.
Check availability & book
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booked
touch for
availability
Please call our centres directly on 0300 124 0449 if you would like to book with childcare vouchers.