ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

Elements describe the essential outcomes of a unit of competency.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised text is used, further information is detailed in the required skills and knowledge section and the range statement. Assessment of performance is to be consistent with the Evidence Guide.

1. Determine appropriate rescue or recovery technique.

1.1. Identify and assess immediate hazards and risks to self and others.

1.2. Assess the prevailing conditions, degree of urgency and availability of physical and human resources.

1.3. Select a rescue or recovery method suitable to the situation.

2. Perform rescues or recoveries.

2.1. Use of rescue tubes and rescue craft to perform a rescue in moderate conditions.

2.2. Select approach and contact methods to reduce the possibility of injury or submersion of the rescuer.

2.3. Support, tow and monitor the rescued person in moderate conditions.

2.4. Apply appropriate carrying techniques to ensure airways are kept clear.

2.5. Apply deep water resuscitation techniques according to industry standards and organisational policies and procedures.

2.6. Communicate appropriately with others during the rescue, where applicable.

Required skills

problem-solving skills to determine safest and most effective rescue method to use in the prevailing conditions

swimming skills to swim in moderate surf conditions

paddling skills to control and manoeuvre a surf craft

ability to tow and use a rescue tube in moderate conditions

communication skills to follow instructions and directions from other rescuers regarding rescue or recovery methods when performing assisted rescues

first aid and emergency response skills appropriate to the location to enable initial response to emergencies and personal health care.

Required knowledge

industry standards and organisational policies and procedures to enable the safe conduct of all activities

types of craft and physical and human resources used for surf survival and rescues, and factors affecting appropriate selection

surf environments, including types and features of waves and rips, and how to safely negotiate these hazards

surf awareness including the effect of wind, tide, swell and ocean floors on surf conditions to enable appropriate responses

surf rescue and recovery techniques such as deep water resuscitation in moderate conditions

communication systems used during rescues and recoveries

first aid, emergency and rescue procedures appropriate for the moderate conditions to ensure risk minimisation.

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Overview of assessment

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

Evidence of the following is essential:

assesses the surf situation for hazards and risks and selects appropriate craft and physical and human resources to assist with rescues in moderate surf conditions

participates in surf rescues and recoveries in moderate surf conditions

adapts quickly to issues that arise during surf rescues, such as change in weather and or surf conditions, and makes appropriate adjustments to ensure safety of self and others.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment must ensure participation in a variety of surf rescues and recoveries in moderate conditions to demonstrate competency and consistency of performance

Assessment must also ensure access to:

a surfing location with moderate conditions

other participants to assist with rescues

physical and human resources such as a rescue craft and lifeguards.

Method of assessment

A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge. The following examples are appropriate for this unit:

oral or written questioning to assess knowledge of surf environments, including types and features of waves and rips

observation of safe participation and demonstration of surf rescue and recovery techniques in prevailing conditions

third-party reports from a supervisor detailing performance.

Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended, for example:

SISOSRF305A Guide surfing sessions.

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, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.

Hazards may include:

temperature extremes

slippery or unstable terrain

dangerous animals and insects

stinging trees and nettles

dense vegetation

group management hazards.

Risks may include:

hypothermia

heat exhaustion

injuries

exhaustion

lost party or party member

equipment and course failure.

Prevailing conditions may include:

size of the surf

availability of assistance

change in conditions

imminent hazards

imminent risks.

Physical and human resources may include:

fins

rescue tubes

rescues boards

surfboards

bodyboards

rope

knife

whistles

first aid kit

lifeguards

bystanders.

Rescue or recovery methods may include:

assisted

unassisted

tube rescues

craft rescues

rescues without equipment.

Craft may include:

hard surfboards

soft surfboards

bodyboards

sit-on kayaks

stand up paddle boards.

Moderate conditions may include:

surf up to one metre

spilling waves

unbroken waves.

Industry standards may include:

Australian Resuscitation Council standards.

Organisational policies and procedures may include:

occupational health and safety

use and maintenance of equipment

communication protocols

emergency procedures

code of ethics.

Communicate may include:

calls

radio

hand signals

whistles.

Others may include:

lifeguards

bystanders

emergency services.