Required skills

problemsolving skills to determine self rescue method or methods according to the situation and river conditions

river reading skills including direction and speed of flow currents eddies and other hydrological features to assist the self rescue

defensive and aggressive swimming skills to free oneself from possible hazards in fast moving water

shallow water wading techniques

reentry techniques to reenter the craft efficiently after a capsize

Required knowledge

hydrology and river grading systems to understand how rivers work to enable the safe application of self rescues

common hazards and risks involved with white water activities and appropriate responses

aggressive and defensive swimming techniques to get free from hazards

rescue and or recovery techniques suitable to the conditions and experience of the participant

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 hazards and their implications for white water swimmers and applies knowledge of hydrology and river features to select a suitable self rescue method

applies appropriate body position and defensive and aggressive swimming techniques suitable to the conditions

adapts to problems or issues that arise during white water self rescues and makes adjustments to ensure safety of self and group

applies procedure to safely reenter the craft following a capsize

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment must ensure application of self rescues on multiple occasions to demonstrate competency and consistency of performance

Assessment must also ensure access to

a white water location with Grade rapids

equipment required to perform self rescues in white water conditions

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 river hydrology and white water hazards and risks

observation of safe participation and demonstration of self rescue skills such as defensive and aggressive swimming techniques

observation of dealing with contingencies such as changing currents or weather conditions

thirdparty reports from a supervisor detailing performance

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

activity specific canoeing kayaking or rafting units

Hazards may include:

Risks may include:

Defensive swimming techniques must include:

Aggressive swimming techniques may include:

Wading location may include:

Craft may include:

Situational variances may include: