Application
The application of this unit in the workplace covers coordination of surveillance and rescue alone or as a part of a team in a beach/surf/open water environment.
The unit is typically relevant for personnel from emergency services and/or volunteer organisations or organisations where a structure beach surveillance and rescue service is supplied.
Prerequisites
Not applicable.
Elements and Performance Criteria
ELEMENT | PERFORMANCE CRITERIA |
1. Prepare for beach surveillance and rescue | 1.1 Duty information is obtained. 1.2 Beach information and weather forecasts are accessed and likely conditions are considered. 1.3 Availability of appropriately skilled personnel is ensured to meet likely conditions and organisational requirements. 1.4 Pre-use check of equipment is completed in accordance with organisational procedures. |
2. Undertake preventative actions | 2.1 Beach and surf conditions are evaluated. 2.2 Safest swimming location is determined and signage is erected in accordance with Australian Standards. 2.3 Equipment availability is ensured and appropriately located to meet likely need and organisational requirements. 2.4 Operational command is notified of availability for duty. 2.5 Public is proactively engaged to inform them of hazards. |
3. Respond to casualties in distress | 3.1 Casualties in distress are identified and/or information about casualties in distress is received from team members. 3.2 Incident details are gathered and risk assessment of casualties and incident is undertaken. 3.3 Appropriate rescue method is determined and appropriate rescue equipment is chosen as a result of this risk assessment. 3.4 Operational command is notified of rescue situation and continuous updates are provided as required. 3.5 Casualty rescue is undertaken or team member is directed to undertake casualty rescue. 3.6 Casualty management is coordinated. 3.7 Liaison is undertaken with emergency services as required. 3.8 Completion of casualty handover to ambulance personnel is ensured. |
4. Complete beach surveillance and rescue recovery requirements | 4.1 Operational command is notified of end of service provision. 4.2 Equipment is returned to storage and post-operational checks and maintenance are completed. 4.3 Personnel are debriefed as required. 4.4 Organisational documentation is completed as required. |
Required Skills
This describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level, required for this unit. |
Required Skills |
access and interpret data communicate effectively with colleagues and stakeholders coordinate a range of beach related issues/rescues identify rips identify wave types manage a range of situations in a calm, concise manner undertake a risk assessment |
Required Knowledge |
Australian Standards in relation to signage and beach safety Australian Beach Safety and Management Program [ABSAMP] Bureau of Meteorology dangers associated with different wave types different types of beaches and associated hazards local government and by-laws organisational operating procedures and structure |
Evidence Required
The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the Performance Criteria, Required Skills and Knowledge, the Range Statement and the Assessment Guidelines for this Training Package. | |
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit | Assessment must confirm the ability to: assess beach conditions plan safest swimming location coordinate a rescue situation set up for beach surveillance and appropriately locate signage and equipment Consistency in performance Competency should be demonstrated reviewing a range of beaches or range of conditions at the same beach. |
Context of and specific resources for assessment | Context of assessment Competency should be assessed during patrolling activities or as a part of structured beach set-up and surveillance scenario. Specific resources for assessment Access is required to: rescue equipment patrol personnel range of beaches with varying conditions |
Method of assessment | In a public safety environment assessment is usually conducted via direct observation in a training environment or in the workplace via subject matter supervision and/or mentoring, which is typically recorded in a competency workbook. Assessment is completed using appropriately qualified assessors who select the most appropriate method of assessment. Assessment may occur in an operational environment or in an industry-approved simulated work environment. Forms of assessment that are typically used include: direct observation interviewing the candidate journals and workplace documentation third party reports from supervisors written or oral questions |
Range Statement
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 in the Performance Criteria is detailed below. | |
Duty information may include: | Hours of operations Number of personnel available Providing a lifesaving/lifeguard patrol service at one or multiple locations Type of service provided |
Beach information and weather forecasts may include: | Australian Beach Safety and Management Program (ABSAMP) rating Local knowledge Bureau of Meteorology reports and weather warnings Tide times |
Likely conditions may include: | Estimated beach attendance Littoral currents (side sweeps) Rip currents Sandbars Surf size Temperature Wave types and associated hazards |
Appropriately skilled personnel may include: | Self Qualified according to organisational requirements Team members |
Organisational requirements may include: | Standard operating procedures Service agreements |
Equipment may include: | Automated External Defibrillator First Aid Kit Inflatable rescue boat (IRB) Oxygen Resuscitation Kit Personal water craft (PWC) Radios Rescue board Rescue tube Signage Spinal board |
Beach and surf conditions may include: | Choppy/calm water Rip currents Surf size Wave types |
Appropriately locating equipment to meet likely need may include: | Locating rescue equipment at start of rip Making first aid equipment available at central location Situating rescue powercaft in a location clear of swimmers for safe launching |
Operational command may include: | Local supervisor Remote communications centre |
Engaging the public proactively may include: | Directing bathing public back to safe swimming area through use of gestures Explaining safest swimming location and hazards to beach going public Making public announcements using address system/load hailer |
Casualty rescue includes: | Negotiating the surf to reach the casualty Securing the casualty Returning the casualty to shore Providing first aid And may include use of: IRB no equipment PWC rescue board rescue tube |
Sectors
Not applicable.
Employability Skills
This unit contains employability skills.
Licensing Information
Not applicable.