Assessor Resource

SISOWWR404A
Instruct white water rescue

Assessment tool

Version 1.0
Issue Date: May 2024


This unit applies to those working as outdoor instructors in a range of activities performed on graded water. This may include those responsible for planning, implementing and evaluating white water rescue instructional sessions for groups of participants in activity-related contexts, such as rafting, canoeing or kayaking activities.

This unit may also apply to outdoor recreation leaders working for outdoor education or adventure providers, volunteer groups, not for profit organisations or government agencies.

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to instruct white water rescue activities. This unit focuses on planning, instructing and evaluating instructional white water rescue sessions to enable participants to achieve the skills and knowledge required to participate independently in white water rescue activities up to grade 4 water.

You may want to include more information here about the target group and the purpose of the assessments (eg formative, summative, recognition)

Prerequisites

Nil

Employability Skills

This unit contains employability skills.



Evidence Required

List the assessment methods to be used and the context and resources required for assessment. Copy and paste the relevant sections from the evidence guide below and then re-write these in plain English.

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Overview of assessment

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

Evidence of the following is essential:

plan, instructs and monitors participant performance and response appropriately to participant behaviour to maintain an effective learning environment

activities are conducted safely according to participant's needs, characteristics and teaching location

applies effective contingency management techniques to deal with a range of problems and issues that may arise during the session, such as equipment failure and makes adjustments in response to changing situations

instructs sequential sessions that meet participant expectations, comply with legislative and organisation requirement, and are of sufficient duration to allow the participant to demonstrate white water rescue skills

evaluates participant and own performance and identifies improvements for future sessions

uses appropriate delivery technique to enhance client learning and performance

demonstrate correct rescue and recovery methods and techniques when transferring skills to participants.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment must ensure instruction of white water rescue activities at suitable locations appropriate to the needs and characteristics of a range of participants to demonstrate competency and consistency of performance.

Assessment must also ensure access to:

a white water location for the conduct of white water rescue instructional sessions

a group of participants to take part in rescue sessions

rescue, safety, first aid and activity-specific equipment and teaching resources

resources and information regarding participants and location to plan sessions for a variety of participants.

Method of assessment

A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge. The following examples are appropriate for this unit:

observation of planning processes, such as consulting with participants to determine their needs and characteristics

oral or written questioning to assess application of relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures to enable safe conduct of all white water rescue activities

observation of safe white water rescue instruction, monitoring and adjustment according to participant's needs and characteristics

portfolio of white water rescue session plans

third-party reports from a supervisor detailing performance.

Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended.

Submission Requirements

List each assessment task's title, type (eg project, observation/demonstration, essay, assingnment, checklist) and due date here

Assessment task 1: [title]      Due date:

(add new lines for each of the assessment tasks)

Assessment Tasks

Copy and paste from the following data to produce each assessment task. Write these in plain English and spell out how, when and where the task is to be carried out, under what conditions, and what resources are needed. Include guidelines about how well the candidate has to perform a task for it to be judged satisfactory.

Required skills

communication skills to:

convey information about the safety aspects of the session

interact with participants to create a safe and positive environment

provide clear and accurate instructions

encourage participants

problem-solving skills to:

plan white water rescue sessions according to participant's needs and characteristics

address participant difficulties in developing techniques

anticipate and respond to non routine situations

read direction and speed of flow, currents, eddies and other hydrological features

self-management to review and reflect on own work performance in effectively planning and instructing a session according to client expectations

conflict resolution skills to identify and respond to inappropriate behaviour to enable effective management of group cohesion

planning and organising skills to:

source, allocate and coordinate resources, equipment and a suitable white water rescue location

monitor and evaluate progress

organise participants into manageable groups for white water rescue

select appropriate instructional techniques

make modifications to the session appropriate to location and environmental conditions

language and literacy skills to:

produce rafting and instructional plans for the session

complete post session participant and self evaluations

first aid and emergency response skills appropriate to the location to enable initial response and or rescue in emergencies whilst instructing white water rescue

throwing skills to throw rope and throw bags to reach swimmer in white water

strong swimming skills in moving water to locate, access, rescue and tow a victim

paddling skills in either a raft, canoe or kayak to control craft in Grade 4 water

effective knot-tying skills to enable the construction of anchors and mechanical advantage system.

Required knowledge

legislation and organisational policies and procedures to ensure safe conduct of all activities performed during white water rescue sessions

site specific information to assist in the planning process and enable management of potential hazards, and any special restrictions applying to the area

equipment types, characteristics and technology used for white water rescue activities, the advantages and disadvantages of the range of equipment, and factors affecting selection

use and maintenance of equipment to enable safe conduct of all activities

instruction techniques and theories applicable to a range of ages and learning abilities to enable the application of instructional techniques appropriate to participant needs

white water rescue techniques and common communication methods used between participants to reduce risk during activities

weather and environmental information to ascertain possible conditions and their affect on the session

safety and emergency procedures, and potential hazards relevant to the site to ensure safety of self and others

rescue team roles and incident command system

low to high-risk rescue options.

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.

Characteristics may include:

age

cultural and situational factors

previous experience and knowledge

physical development

injuries and illnesses.

Session's aims and objectives may include:

developing white water rescue skills and techniques

education

development

therapy

fitness targets

recreation.

Instructional plan may include:

white water rescue activities

duration of activities.

Activity plan may include:

aims and objectives

date, time and duration

site or location, equipment and resources

instructor and participant ratios

safety requirements.

Relevant legislation may include:

occupational health and safety

permits or permission for access

environmental regulations

marine regulations.

Organisational policies and procedures may include:

occupational health and safety

use, maintenance and storage of equipment

risk management procedures

time and budget constraints

communication protocols

confidentiality of participant information

code of ethics

minimal impact codes.

Hazards may include:

temperature extremes

stoppers or holes

waterfalls

strainers

waves

rocks

sieves

group-management hazards

other river uses.

Risks may include:

hypothermia

hyperthermia

injuries

drowning

entrapment

equipment failure.

Relevant sources may include:

Bureau of Meteorology

media

land managers or agencies

coastal patrol or coastguard

volunteer marine rescue

local knowledge.

Weather and environmental information may include:

satellite images

daily and weekly forecasts

maximum and minimum temperatures

weather warnings

event warnings

river levels

synoptic charts

high and low tide predictions.

Contingency plans may include:

change in weather and or river conditions

equipment failure.

Equipment may include:

rescue equipment

safety and first aid equipment

activity-specific equipment.

Resources may include:

teaching aids

instructional tools

transport.

Contextual issues may include:

weather conditions, including tide times

season

transport

location

trip distance and duration

group objectives

group size.

Relevant information may include:

risk and hazard prevention and management

minimal environmental impact practices

techniques

logistical details

responsible and safe behaviour.

Safety procedures may include:

boundaries clearly identified

symptoms, treatment and prevention of common risks

use of safety and rescue equipment.

Instructional techniques may include:

simple to complex

part to whole

chronological

known to unknown

D.E.D.I.C.T:

demonstrate

explain

demonstrate

instruct

critique

test

E.D.I.C.T:

explain

demonstrate

instruct

critique

test

I.D.E.A:

introduce

demonstrate

explain

apply

orientate, enhance, synthesise

Required white water rescue knowledge may include:

simple to complex white water rescue techniques

incident command system

river features and conditions

risk and hazard management.

White water rescue skills may include:

river reading

throwing

swimming defensive and aggressive

towing

craft handling

self rescue

shallow water crossing

mechanical advantage methods

entrapment extraction

craft tethers

high line tyrolean (telfer lower).

Relevant aspects may include:

objectives

planning process

activity site

weather

equipment selection

clothing selection

food selection

instructional content

instructional technique

assessment technique

group feedback

directing techniques

rescue techniques employed.

Copy and paste from the following performance criteria to create an observation checklist for each task. When you have finished writing your assessment tool every one of these must have been addressed, preferably several times in a variety of contexts. To ensure this occurs download the assessment matrix for the unit; enter each assessment task as a column header and place check marks against each performance criteria that task addresses.

Observation Checklist

Tasks to be observed according to workplace/college/TAFE policy and procedures, relevant legislation and Codes of Practice Yes No Comments/feedback
Establish participant's needs and characteristics to determine the session'saims and objectives. 
Determine an appropriate instructional plan according to participant's needs and characteristics. 
Develop an activity plan according to participant's needs and characteristics, relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures. 
Select a suitable site for the session according to participant's needs, session's aims, relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures. 
Identify potential hazards associated with performing white water rescues and minimise risks according to organisational policies and procedures. 
Access relevantsources to interpret detailed weather and environmental information and determine contingency plans. 
Select and access equipment and resources according to contextual issues and organisational policies and procedures, and check serviceability. 
Check equipment for safety and suitability according to relevant legislation and manufacturer's recommendations, and adjust and fit to ensure personal comfort. 
Check contents of first aid and repair kits to ensure suitability to the location and activity. 
Arrange, where required, protective and or safety clothing for each participant. 
Communicate instructions and relevant information about the session in a manner appropriate to the participants. 
Encourage participants to seek clarification, information and feedback as required during the session. 
Establish a suitable communication system for participants to use while participating in white water rescue activities. 
Inform participants of known and anticipated hazards, safety procedures and appropriate behaviour. 
Check and confirm that all participant equipment is fitted and adjusted and clothing and footwear is suitable. 
Conduct introductory activities for participants to reduce the risk of injury. 
Apply instructional techniques to impart required white water rescue knowledge, white water rescue skills, and safety procedures. 
Monitor individual participant performance during white water rescue session. 
Monitor and assess instructional activities and associated risks, and modify where required according to organisational policies and procedures. 
Apply procedures for dealing with emergency and non-routine situations according to organisational policies and procedures. 
Inform participants of opportunities to further develop their white water rescue skills and knowledge. 
Retrieve, inspect, repair and store equipment according to organisational policies and procedures. 
Provide opportunities for participants to identify their personal progress and satisfaction with the session, and give feedback as required. 
Evaluate relevant aspects of the white water rescue session and determine the level of learning achieved. 
Identify potential areas of improvement for future white water rescue instructional sessions. 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

SISOWWR404A - Instruct white water rescue
Assessment task 1: [title]

Student name:

Student ID:

I declare that the assessment tasks submitted for this unit are my own work.

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Result: Competent Not yet competent

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Assessment Record Sheet

SISOWWR404A - Instruct white water rescue

Student name:

Student ID:

Assessment task 1: [title] Result: Competent Not yet competent

(add lines for each task)

Feedback to student:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Overall assessment result: Competent Not yet competent

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