Required skills

problemsolving skills to

identify factors leading to aquatic emergencies

assess and evaluate emergencies and determine the appropriate rescue technique for the situation and location

communication skills to

alert others to the situation

delegate tasks during aquatic emergencies

provide reassurance to casualties and bystanders

planning and organisational skills to

allocate relevant equipment under pressure to aid in rescue

devise a rescue plan after assessing the situation

monitoring and observational skills to identify aquatic emergencies requiring basic water rescues

swimming defensive swimming and towing skills to perform basic swimming rescues

fitness and strength level to perform basic nonswimming water rescues

cardiopulmonary resuscitation techniques to provide an initial response to emergencies

Required knowledge

legislation organisational policies and procedures and industry standards to enable

the safe conduct of water rescues

accurate completion of incident documentation

use and location of equipment types to effect prompt rescues

swimming and nonswimming rescue methods to enable appropriate responses to aquatic emergencies

characteristics and features of water environments such as pools or canyons and safe rescue techniques appropriate to the conditions and location

communication systems used during rescues to inform managers other employees and emergency services of progress

potential dangers in a range of aquatic environments and how to respond to them

cardiopulmonary resuscitation techniques to provide an initial response to emergencies

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

identifies the common signs and signals of a person experiencing difficulties in the water and promptly determines possible contributing factors and formulates a suitable rescue plan

performs all basic water rescue techniques in the water while maintaining own safety

monitors condition of affected person applies appropriate treatment

recognises issues that arise during rescues and makes appropriate adjustments to ensure safety of self and others according to organisational policies and procedures and relevant legislation

accurately reports incidents and notifies other relevant personnel according to organisational policies and procedures

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment must ensure performance of all swimming and nonswimming basic rescues and performance of cardiopulmonary resuscitation

Assessment must also ensure access to

an aquatic environment appropriate to the candidates current or intended work role such as a swimming pool or confined natural shallow water venue

suitable participants to enable demonstration of water rescue techniques

CPR mannequins

equipment such as flotation devices first aid facilities and equipment ropes and reaching poles

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

oral or written questioning to assess knowledge of aquatic emergency situations and basic water rescues

direct observation of the candidate safely participating in and demonstrating swimming and nonswimming water rescues incorporating cardiopulmonary resuscitation

thirdparty reports from a supervisor detailing candidates performance on the job

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

Signs and signals may include:

Response may include:

Aquatic emergency may include:

Accepted best practice principles of aquatic rescues may include:

Relevant legislation may include:

Organisational policies and procedures may include:

Hazards may include:

Risks may include:

Others may include:

Rescue plan may include:

Equipment may include:

Basic water rescue must include:

Treatment may include:

Industry standards may include: