SISCAQU012
Assist participants with a disability during aquatic activities


Application

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to identify the needs of participants with a disability, assist them to safely enter and exit the water and to provide appropriate support during aquatic activities.

This unit applies to those conducting learn-to-swim and water familiarisation classes in swimming pools or confined natural shallow water venues. Work is performed according to relevant legislation, public health regulatory requirements and organisational policies and procedures.

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


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 participant needs.

1.1 Consider participant group characteristics and suitability of environmental features to participant needs.

1.2 Assess the degree and type of support required.

1.3 Determine entry and exit requirements, and appropriate entry and exit points.

1.4 Report any unsuitable environmental features or entry and exit points.

2. Provide aquatic support.

2.1 Select and use communication techniques suited to participants.

2.2 Advise participants and caregivers of location and appropriate use of resources.

2.3 Provide clear information and demonstrations to participants and caregivers and confirm understanding.

2.4 Seek and respond to questions or feedback from participants and caregivers.

2.5 Provide appropriate type and level of support.

2.6 Observe and monitor participant responses and adjust support provided, as required.

2.7 Respond to participants or caregivers experiencing difficulties.

3. Review aquatic support.

3.1 Respond to participant and caregiver concerns, feedback and questions as required.

3.2 Report on resources and aspects needing further emphasis, attention or intervention in future sessions.

3.3 Review own performance and identify areas needing improvement and appropriate strategies as required.

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:

provide support to at least three clients with different types of disability

correctly use the following physical support techniques:

hands on torso

hands to hands

back hold in vertical or horizontal positions

short arm hold

cradling

carry hold

hip hold

prone hold

prone side hold

assisted entries and exits

select and use communication strategies suited to individual clients, including the following:

active listening

open questioning

non-verbal

visual

sensory

tactile.


Evidence of Knowledge

Demonstrated knowledge required to complete the tasks outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit:

legal, ethical and organisational policies and procedures:

work health and safety/occupational health and safety

duty of care

working with children

communication protocols

codes of conduct

best practice principles of aquatic activities

disability specific legislation

current policies and frameworks supporting provision of services to people with a disability

factors affecting support requirements:

physical disability

intellectual or sensory impairment

mobility

fitness

body type and composition

age

environmental features to be considered:

ramps

hoists

steps

surface type

railings

water depth

available water space

aquatic support techniques and their application to different participant requirements, as specified in the Performance Evidence

communication techniques and the need to adapt to specific needs:

clear verbal communication

visual

tactile

use, care and maintenance of equipment used to support people with a disability

first aid and water rescue techniques to enable appropriate responses to participants or caregivers experiencing difficulties

cardiopulmonary resuscitation techniques to enable initial response to emergencies as per Australian Resuscitation Council (ARC) guidelines.


Assessment Conditions

Skills must be demonstrated in:

a workplace or simulated aquatic facility or confined natural shallow water environment.

Assessment must ensure use of:

participants with a disability to whom services are provided

organisational policies and procedures appropriate to risk management

incident reporting documentation.

Assessment must ensure access to:

first aid facilities and equipment.

Assessment activities that allow the individual to:

respond to typical challenges that arise when providing support to people with a disability.

Assessors must satisfy the Standards for Registered Training Organisations’ requirements for assessors.


Foundation Skills

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


Sectors

Community Recreation


Competency Field

Aquatics