ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Prepare for surf rescue

1.1 Pre-use checks of equipment are undertaken.

1.2 Hazards to bathers are identified.

1.3 Equipment is placed in locations of most likely need.

2. Perform surveillance duties

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

2.2 People who match the profile of high risk bathers are identified and close attention is paid to these people.

2.3 Identified methods to avoid fatigue are used while providing surveillance.

3. Respond to casualty/ies in distress

3.1 Casualty/ies 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 the casualty/ies in an appropriate timeframe.

3.5 Defensive approach is used to ensure own safety with a conscious panicking casualty/ies.

3.6 On approach, conscious casualty/ies is/are reassured.

3.7 Unconscious casualty/ies is/are assessed for breathing and initial rescue breaths are performed as required.

3.8 Casualty/ies is/are secured in accordance with organisational procedures and available equipment.

4. Return casualty/ies 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/ies is/are assessed for first aid requirements or medical care and is managed.

4.3 Unconscious casualty/ies is/are dragged unaided above the high water line using approved techniques.

4.4 Unconscious casualty/ies is/are lowered using approved techniques and assessed for signs of life and patient care required.

4.5 Operational command is notified that casualty/ies has/have been retrieved and of any further assistance required.

4.6 First aid and patient care is provided to casualty/ies until further aid arrives.

4.7 Casualty/ies is/are handed over with incident details, treatment provided and current condition.

5. Recover and restore equipment to operational readiness

5.1 Debrief is participated in and reports are completed according to organisational procedures.

5.2 Post-operational checks and maintenance of equipment are performed.

5.3 Any damage is reported according to organisational procedures.

This describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level, required for this unit.

Required Skills

communicate effectively with colleagues and stakeholders

display fitness and strength via a mission or fitness test such as that defined by the Surf Life Saving Gold Medallion

identify rip currents

identify wave types

paddle a rescue board in challenging surf conditions and in choppy conditions

perform a board rescue 200 metres out at sea and return

perform a tube rescue 100 metres out at sea and return

self-rescue in a surf environment

swim in challenging surf conditions and in choppy conditions

use perceptual skills to provide beach surveillance

Required Knowledge

beach types and hazard ratings as described in the Australian Beach Safety and Management Program (ABSAMP)

escape techniques from a panicking casualty/ies

factors defining an appropriate timeframe such as:

availability of rip currents to use in proceeding out to sea

consideration of the distance to the casualty/ies

equipment available

lulls between sets of waves

size of surf

time between waves

first aid techniques and standards

hazards of the surf beach environment

organisational procedures relating to rescue and recovery

organisational procedures for maintaining equipment in terms of environmental management and sustainability

roles of lifesavers, lifeguards and other personnel during major aquatic emergencies

signals for communication between team members on the shore and in the water

types of water rescue equipment for advanced water rescues

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:

perform a tube rescue 100 metres out at sea and return to shore

perform a board rescue 200 metres out at sea and return to shore

manage a surf rescue unaided, from identification of casualty/ies through to handover

perform a complex surf rescue with multiple casualties

display the fitness and strength to perform multiple rescues in close succession (such as that defined by the Surf Life Saving Gold Medallion)

Consistency in performance

Competency should be demonstrated using both rescue boards and rescue tubes in a range of actual surf conditions.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Context of assessment

Competency should be assessed by performing actual or simulated rescues at a surf beach.

Specific resources for assessment

Access is required to:

rescue equipment used in the workplace

surf beach

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

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.

Pre-use checks of equipment may include:

checking clip on rescue tube for correct operation

checking fibreglass rescue boards for cracks and sharp edges

checking rescue tubes for fraying of ropes and straps

checking straps on rescue boards are securely attached

Hazards may include:

hazards associated with different wave types

inshore holes

littoral currents

marine creatures

rip currents

Equipment may include:

automated external defibrillator

first aid kit

oxygen resuscitation equipment

rescue board

rescue tube

Locations of most likely need may include:

central location for first aid and resuscitation equipment

popular swimming locations

start of rip currents

Location that gives the best view may include:

minimising sun glare

moving to counteract interference by beach users in ground level surveillance

raised tower

unobstructed by public or lifesaving equipment

People who match the profile of high risk bathers may include:

inappropriately dressed for surf bathing

older people

people who are intoxicated

people who are overweight

tourists

young children

Identified methods to avoid fatigue may include:

momentarily focusing on the horizon or a distant object

not staring fixedly for long periods at one thing

regular breaks

Casualty/ies in distress may include:

attempting to swim to shore with little or no progress

calling for assistance

facing towards shore looking for help

fearful look on casualty's face

head titled back

upright body position

waving arms

vigorous arm movements in an attempt to raise head above water

Operational command may include:

local supervisor

remote communications centre

Appropriate rescue techniques and equipment may include:

rescue using rescue board

rescue using rescue tube

Challenging surf conditions may include:

choppy conditions due to wind

surf greater than 1.5 metres

Defensive approach may include:

placing rescue device between rescuer and casualty

stopping a safe distance from the casualty while assessing their mental state

using legs or arms as a barrier

Securing the casualty/ies may include:

assisting conscious casualty onto rescue board

clipping tube around casualty (conscious or unconscious)

putting exhausted/unconscious casualty on board using board rolling techniques

Navigating safe return to shore may include:

avoiding rip currents on the return to shore

using broken waves to return to shore

waiting for a lull between sets to avoid large breaking waves

Approved techniques for dragging a casualty/ies unaided may include:

best technique for personal safety

maintaining an open airway of an unconscious casualty

organisational procedures

Lowering a casualty/ies using approved techniques may include:

best technique for personal safety

maintaining an open airway of an unconscious casualty

organisational procedures

Further assistance required may include:

paramedics

supervisors to assist with managing major incidents

support from team members

First aid and patient care may include:

treatment according to Australian Resuscitation Council Guidelines

Arrival of further aid may include:

paramedics

team members

Post-operational checks and maintenance of equipment may include:

checking for damage

ensuring all attachment points are secure

washing of salt and sand