This unit of competency involves the skills and knowledge required to perform advanced surf rescues in challenging surf conditions without assistance from other team members. It includes lifeguards and lifesavers working in limited team environments.

The unit is applicable to personnel from the emergency services, volunteer organisations and/or organisations where a structured beach surveillance and rescue service is supplied.

No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.

ELEMENTS

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1

Prepare for surf rescue

1.1

Pre-use checks of equipment are completed, in accordance with organisational procedures

1.2

Hazards to bathers, at the surf location, are identified

1.3

Equipment is placed in surf locations identified as of most likely need

2

Perform surveillance duties

2.1

Location, that gives the best view of area of responsibility and ready access to equipment and water for response to casualties in distress, is determined and surveillance is maintained

2.2

People who match the profile of high risk bathers are identified and close attention is paid to them

2.3

Appropriate methods to avoid fatigue are used while providing surveillance, in accordance with organisational procedures

3

Respond to casualty in distress

3.1

Casualty in distress is recognised

3.2

Operational command is notified of intention to perform rescue

3.3

Conditions are assessed and rescue techniques and equipment are selected

3.4

Challenging surf conditions are negotiated using sand bars and rip currents to reach casualty

3.5

Defensive approach is used to ensure own safety with a conscious panicking casualty

3.6

On approach, conscious casualty is reassured

3.7

Unconscious casualty is assessed for breathing and initial rescue breaths are performed, as required

3.8

Casualty is secured, in accordance with organisational procedures and available equipment

4

Return casualty to shore

4.1

Prevailing surf conditions are assessed and safe return to shore is navigated, in accordance with organisational procedures

4.2

Conscious casualty is assessed for first aid requirements or medical care and is managed, in accordance with organisational procedures

4.3

Unconscious casualty is dragged unaided above the high water line using approved techniques

4.4

Unconscious casualty is lowered using approved techniques and is assessed for signs of life and patient care is administered, as required

4.5

Operational command is notified that casualty has been retrieved and whether any further assistance is required

4.6

First aid is provided to casualty until further assistance arrives

4.7

Casualty is handed over with details provided on incident, treatment provided and current condition

5

Recover and restore equipment to operational readiness

5.1

Debriefing is participated in and reports are completed, in accordance with organisational procedures

5.2

Post operational checks and maintenance of equipment is performed, in accordance with organisational procedures

5.3

Any damage to equipment is reported, in accordance with organisational procedures

Foundation skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit of competency.

Range is restricted to essential operating conditions and any other variables essential to the work environment.

Non-essential conditions may be found in the Companion Volume Implementation Guide.

Not applicable

Search and Rescue