Elements and Performance Criteria

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

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