Application
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to perform basic water rescues in indoor or outdoor aquatic venues.
The unit applies to all workers who may be required to perform basic water rescues in a range of situations, including swimming pools. Work is performed according to accepted best practice principles of aquatic rescues, relevant legislation and organisational policies.
Specific licensing requirements relating to this competency, including requirements for refresher training, should be obtained from the relevant state/territory work health and safety regulatory authority.
Elements and Performance Criteria
ELEMENTS | PERFORMANCE CRITERIA |
Elements describe the essential outcomes | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. |
1. Identify and evaluate aquatic emergencies. | 1.1 Recognise signs and signals of a person in difficulty. 1.2 Assess situation to determine appropriate response in an aquatic emergency. 1.3 Identify and assess immediate hazards and risks to self and others. |
2. Apply basic water rescue principles. | 2.1 Determine rescue type required and promptly formulate a rescue plan. 2.2 Access and use available equipment, as required. 2.3 Perform basic water rescue techniques according to emergency needs using fitness and strength levels required in own work environment. 2.4 Delegate tasks when required. 2.5 Identify and promptly respond to issues that arise during the rescue. 2.6 Monitor the condition of the casualty and plan a course of action. |
3. Communicate incident details. | 3.1 Convey incident details accurately to emergency response services. 3.2 Report details of incident to workplace supervisor as appropriate. 3.3 Provide reassurance to bystanders as required. 3.4 Maintain confidentiality of records and information in line with statutory and/or organisational policies. |
Evidence of Performance
Evidence of the ability to complete tasks outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit in the context of the job role, and:
identify, evaluate and respond to aquatic emergencies according to organisational and legislative requirements
identify and respond to all of the following signs and signals:
call for help
vertical body position
minimal or non-supportive leg action
vigorous arm movements
submerged or unconscious person
perform the following non-swimming rescues:
reach
rope throw
throw flotation aid
perform the following swimming rescues demonstrating the fitness and strength to tow a person in difficulty at least 10 metres with their mouth and nose above water to a point of safety:
accompanied
wade
non-contact tow
contact tow
incorporate appropriate adjustments for each of the above rescues to ensure safety of self and others.
Evidence of Knowledge
Demonstrated knowledge required to complete the tasks outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit:
legislation, organisational policies and procedures and industry standards in relation to:
the safe conduct of water rescues
accurate completion of incident documentation
common signs and signals of a person experiencing difficulties in the water and possible contributing factors:
call for help
vertical body position
minimal or non-supportive leg action
vigorous arm movements
submerged or unconscious person
use and location of equipment types
non-swimming rescue methods and techniques:
reach
rope throw
throw flotation aid
swimming rescue methods and techniques:
accompanied
wade
non-contact tow
contact tow
issues that arise during rescues and appropriate adjustments to ensure safety of self and others
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.
Assessment Conditions
Skills must be demonstrated in:
a workplace or simulated aquatic facility or environment such as an indoor pool, outdoor pool, or shallow water venue.
Assessment must ensure use of:
pool safety equipment:
flotation devices
first aid facilities and equipment
ropes
suitable to perform a reach rescue
participants to enable demonstration of all water rescue techniques and scenarios, these can be:
participants in a workplace, or
individuals who participate in project activities, role plays or simulated activities, set up for the purpose of assessment, within a training organisation.
Assessment activities that allow the individual to:
demonstrate water rescue techniques and broader emergency responses in required emergency situation timeframes
communicate with relevant personnel and emergency response services.
Assessors must satisfy the Standards for Registered Training Organisations’ requirements for assessors.
Foundation Skills
Foundation skills essential to performance in this unit are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit of competency.
Sectors
Community Recreation
Competency Field
Aquatics